Table of Contents
1. Dietary habits
The way you eat can affect your teeth and gums. Whole foods contain more vitamins and minerals than processed foods. For example, eating an apple instead of a can of soda gives them a mini workout. And try to consume whole grains and legumes instead of sugary snacks. And if you cannot brush them after eating a snack, rinse them with water afterward.
Aside from choosing whole grains and legumes, you should also make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental cleaning appointments, according to this link. Sugary drinks are bad for them because they can stick to them. Even milk and water contain sugar, which can damage teeth. Sugary snacks can lead to cavities. And the more frequently you eat them, the worse they will be for them.
The less often you snack, the better. The longer you leave in between meals, the more saliva you will have to clean your teeth. You will also need to reduce your intake of starches and sugar. The worst foods for them are the ones that are high in sugar. These include sugary snacks and drinks, which are notorious for causing cavities.
Other sugary foods include fizzy drinks and energy drinks. Lastly, keep in mind processed foods and store-bought condiments. Even if you do indulge in them, make sure you brush your teeth right away to remove any leftover sugar from your mouth. Then you can enjoy the treat later.
If you are wondering how to keep them healthy, natural sugars may be your answer. Sugar is a primary cause of dental disease, and excessive consumption of sugar is a major contributor. Sugar feeds disease-causing bacteria and promotes their growth and production. When sugar and acids meet in the mouth, these bacteria produce acid that dissolves minerals from tooth enamel.
2. Sugar-sweetened beverages
A new study adds more weight to the debate on the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on teeth. Just two cups of coffee contain eleven teaspoons of sugar, more than the daily recommended amount for healthy adults. These beverages have a negative impact on oral health and should be avoided whenever possible.
To help avoid the negative consequences of sugar-sweetened drinks, drink more water, fruit juice, or filtered water (www.cdc.gov/sugar-sweetened-beverages). Avoiding these sugary beverages is crucial for the health of your mouth and body. Drinking sugar-sweetened drinks can be damaging to your teeth because they encourage harmful bacteria to thrive.
These bacteria produce acid that wears away tooth enamel. When this happens, bacteria can easily pass through the barrier of enamel, leading to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. This is particularly true of sugar-sweetened beverages, which are the leading cause of tooth decay. According to the study, people who consume sugar-sweetened drinks may have higher risks of dental caries.
In addition, sugary drinks may be linked with higher rates of obesity and total tooth loss. You can get more information here for dentures and denture-related issues, specifically. But do know that further research is needed to determine the relationship between these beverages and oral health. These researchers are calling for further studies to determine the effects of these sugar-sweetened beverages on tooth health.
3. Gum disease
Many Americans experience gum disease at some point in their lives. It can range from minor inflammation of the gums to severe cases that result in the loss of teeth. Early detection and treatment of gingivitis are essential for avoiding the development of periodontitis, which destroys the bones and connective tissues around the teeth.
Using fluoride toothpaste is an effective way to protect your gums and teeth. Taking the time to visit your dentist for regular cleanings is also important and using fluoride toothpaste can help. Some illnesses, including HIV, can have adverse effects on gums. Diabetes, for instance, affects the body’s ability to use sugar, which makes people prone to infections. Medication can also affect oral health.
Some medicines reduce saliva flow, which protects the teeth. Anticonvulsants, like Dilantin, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue. Smoking, meanwhile, can cause periodontitis and make it harder to heal. Early detection is crucial. Early symptoms of gum disease can help reverse its effects. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums can indicate underlying gum disease.
Dental examinations will detect inflammation and measure pockets around the teeth. A typical depth of a pocket is one to three millimeters. The dentist may order X-rays to check for bone loss if it is suspected. By early detection, you can take the necessary steps to maintain your gums and teeth.
4. Periodontal disease
Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. Regular checkups and cleanings by a dentist can help prevent the progression of gum disease. Depending on the severity of the condition, a dentist may recommend a variety of treatment options, including deep cleaning of tooth root surfaces beneath the gum line. In severe cases, periodontal surgery may be necessary.
To prevent periodontal disease and maintain good oral health, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Often, a periodontal disease can be controlled with home care, or adjusted oral hygiene practices. The loss of bone will be slow and may even stop after some time. Regardless of the condition, it is important to keep plaque off them every day and visit your dentist regularly.
This will also help preserve your smile while supporting your overall health. While there is no single treatment for periodontal disease, the first step toward a cure is to find the source of the problem and treat it appropriately. Your dental professional can diagnose periodontal disease by examining them and gums for infection.
He or she can take new X-rays to determine if the bones have begun to deteriorate. If your dentist suspects periodontal disease, he or she can refer you to a periodontist who specializes in this condition. However, there are other treatment options that are effective in managing the condition and preventing its recurrence which can be very painful and expensive.
