Even though teeth are among the most important parts of the body, they’re so underrated. They not only enhance one’s appearance and smile but also affect overall health and nutrition.
Despite that many people don’t understand the value of their teeth and don’t know many things about them. As per a Delta Dental study, about a third of Americans don’t brush their teeth two times a day and two percent of the respondents don’t brush at all. No wonder dental conditions and gum diseases are on the rise around the world.
But there is a solution to the problem and that is awareness. This blog post lists seven key things you should know about your teeth and take proper dental care so that your teeth can last a lifetime.
1. Your oral hygiene is closely connected to your overall health
Did you know that poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of many deadly diseases? And, would it surprise you if you learn that people with poor oral hygiene frequently fall sick? Dental hygiene has a strong link with the entire body and overall health. Many studies have found that poor oral hygiene and health can cause several diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory diseases
- Kidney diseases
- Complications in diabetes
- Inflammation
- Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss
With proper brushing, you can reduce the risk of all these serious diseases and improve your overall health. It’s quite amazing to think that it just takes a soft-bristled toothbrush and good quality toothpaste to stop many diseases from happening in the first place.
2. Over-brushing is as bad as under-brushing
We have always known that under-brushing that is brushing less frequently or in an improper manner is bad. But over-brushing, which is brushing harder and more aggressively. It is dangerous and can affect the gums and erode gingival tissues and result in recession. But many people aren’t aware of the hazards of aggressive brushing and do it the wrong way. Some use hard-bristle toothbrushes, which are also harmful.
One research conducted by American insurance company Unum Group found that one in every three adults in the U.S. is over-brushing or under-brushing their teeth. Another survey of some expert dentists and leading toothbrush manufacturers reveal that as high as one-fifth of the population has damaged their gums by brushing harder.
3. Fluoride is good for your teeth
Fluoride is extremely beneficial for your teeth. It reduces demineralization and stops acid production and bacterial growth. It also prevents bone fractures as it enhances remineralization. That’s why you must ensure that your toothpaste has the recommended amount of fluoride. Now, the question comes “what is the recommended amount of fluoride?”
As per expert dentists, toothpaste with 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride is extremely effective for teeth. Several studies found that toothpaste containing 1,500ppm of fluoride prevented tooth decay and even minimized cavities in people with severe caries.
4. Your diet plays a huge role in your oral health
A healthy diet strengthens your teeth, while an unhealthy one causes decay and cavities. Eating calcium-rich foods such as eggs, dairy products, fresh fruits, and vegetables will strengthen your teeth and prevent plaque buildup. On the other hand, a diet that’s highly acidic and sugary can cause plaque and tartar and damage your teeth and gums over time. That’s why snacking between meals on sweet and acidic foods is so harmful. Apart from that coffee, alcohol, and tobacco also weaken teeth and cause premature tooth loss. To have strong teeth, it is extremely crucial to take good care of your diet and eat foods that are rich in calcium, and avoid acidic and sugary ones.
5. Replace your toothbrush once every three months
Did you know that your toothbrush comes with an expiry date? Don’t be alarmed; unopened toothbrushes don’t have expiry dates but used ones do have. The expiry date of a toothbrush starts after they’re opened and it should be replaced after twelve weeks, or three months, after use.
Even though three months is a good rule of thumb, a toothbrush will need to be replaced before that if the bristles have worn out, frayed, and are not effective. People who brush more than two times a day will need to replace their toothbrushes once every ten weeks. The more you brush, the more often you will need to replace your toothbrush.
6. Don’t ignore any dental complications
Some dental complications may not look like a big deal but ignoring them can be extremely dangerous in the long run. Complications such as cavities, broken teeth, dental injuries, bleeding gums, and infections qualify as dental emergencies and they must be shown to a dentist as soon as possible. But other complications such as tooth pain chipped or cracked tooth, and discoloration can also indicate some problems. If the symptoms worsen then don’t waste any time and visit your dentist near to you immediately.
7. You should visit your dentist twice a year
If you’re already taking the best possible care of your teeth, brushing twice a day for three minutes, and flossing once daily, you may wonder if you must visit your dentist two times a year. The short answer is, yes. A regular checkup and professional cleaning are indispensable for healthy teeth. The experts in the American Dental Association say that a healthy adult with good oral hygiene and health should go for a dental checkup and professional cleaning at least two times a year. The frequency is even higher for elderly people or people with tooth problems and unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking.
In conclusion
When it comes to teeth health and dental hygiene, there are some crucial things many people don’t know. Such as the techniques to brush and floss effectively, the time one should take to brush, and how oral health is linked to overall health. This blog post attempts to dispel some myths associated with teeth and shed some light on the important body part.
