With the wonders of modern dentistry, many problems we encounter can be easily and swiftly treated. However, being able to avoid these problems in the first place is not only better for your health; it can save you considerable amounts of time and money.
Even if you’re rigorous in your oral care, visiting the dentist every 6 months can be a great way to identify any issues and ensure you’re maintaining good dental hygiene. Other than that, certain changes to your diet and lifestyle can protect against dental problems.
Food/Drink Choices
Like the rest of our body, our teeth and gums are at their healthiest when we subscribe to a healthy and balanced diet. However, we’re all prone to consuming foods and drinks that aren’t good for our oral health.
Sugary Drinks/Sweets
Overindulging in sugar is very harmful to our teeth. Certain oral bacteria feed on the sugars we eat to create an acid that destroys protective tooth enamel. This can lead to subsequent cavities, causing holes in your teeth.
By monitoring and reducing the amount of sugar we ingest, we can avoid tooth decay and the need for crowns and fillings. These sugars are also prominent in fruits like figs, grapes and mangoes.
Coffee/Tea
Many of us rely on a coffee in the morning and look forward to a cup of tea when we get home. However, both can be detrimental to our oral health. Pigments from these dark coloured drinks work their way in between the natural gaps in tooth enamel, which can lead to staining.
Again, limiting your intake of these hot drinks and brushing your teeth shortly after consumption can help protect against staining. If the problem progresses, you may need to see a dentist about teeth whitening to remove the deeply embedded pigments.
Lifestyle Choices
In addition to your diet, there are many lifestyle choices you can make to maintain healthy teeth.
Smoking
Smoking causes a host of problems including teeth staining, bad breath, a build-up of plaque, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Smoking can impair the normal functioning of gum tissue, making it more susceptible to infection and preventing it from healing in the case of damage.
Dental Guard
Using a dental guard at night can be useful, especially if you suffer from teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism). Guards stop the upper and lower rows of teeth from grinding together, which contributes to morning headaches, chipped teeth and a tender jaw.
Dental guards also promote healthy sleeping patterns by optimising the resting position of the jaw, allowing the muscles to relax.
Correct Brushing and Flossing Technique
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day cleans away food particles and plaque (a thin film of bacteria that contributes to gum disease and more). Brushing and flossing are important for your overall oral health and they also promote fresh breath!
It’s always best to prevent dental problems before they arise, but you can’t always be prepared. In these cases, good insurance is essential. To learn more, check out our blog on Choosing the Best Dental Insurance for Your Family.
For even more information or to book an appointment, get in touch with the team at City Central Dental on 08 8231 9922 or contact us online.
