Tooth Decay; How Does One Care For The Teeth?

Taking care of the teeth and gums is crucial to overall health. Poor oral health, linked to several chronic conditions, can impair and lead to low self-esteem. On the other hand, the teeth and gums can stay healthy for the rest of life if adequate care is taken. In addition, tooth decay and gum disease are less likely if the teeth and gums are in good shape.

Taking care of the teeth and gums does not have to take a lot of time or money. The essential base is to avoid simple sugars and to clean and floss the teeth gently every day, not smoking, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular dental cleanings and checkups are needed to keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free.

How to Care For The Teeth and Gum?

There are just five basic steps of caring for teeth and gums, which are;

• Brushing
• Flossing
• Rinsing
• Eating/drinking right
• Visiting the dentist regularly

Brushing

Brush the teeth at least twice every day. Brush after each meal if possible. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to allow any enamel softened from acid to re-harden and not be scraped away. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste is the best method of reducing plaque.

Plaque, a layer of microorganisms that adheres to teeth, is removed by brushing. When plaque bacteria come into touch with food, acids are produced. These acids cause cavities.

How to Brush

1. Place pea-sized fluoride toothpaste on the head of the toothbrush (use only soft bristles toothbrush).

2. Brush the teeth in a small circular motion with the brush. Continue cleaning one tooth at a time in this manner. Keep the bristle tips close to the gum line. If pressed too hard, the bristles will flatten against the teeth. (Only the toothbrush tips clean the teeth.) Instead, allow the bristles to reach between the teeth.

3. Brush the tongue with a few soft strokes, starting at the rear and working forward. Do not scrub the surface—this aids in removing microorganisms and freshening the breath.

4. After brushing for two to three minutes, rinse the mouth with water.

Change the toothbrush every three to four months.

2. Flossing

Flossing daily is required to remove plaque and food particles that the toothbrush cannot reach.

Plaque can build up and convert to tartar in the areas just beneath the gum line and narrow spaces between teeth.

If plaque stays between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which a dentist must remove.

How to Floss Properly

1. Wrap the floss over each hand’s middle fingers, leaving a 1-inch section available to floss. Floss the upper teeth first, then the lower teeth.

2. Place the floss in the mouth and push it between the teeth with index fingers. Take care not to hurt the gums by pushing too hard.

3. Move the floss around the gum line and up and down against the tooth. The floss should make a C-shape around the tooth as it gets flossed.

4. Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth.

3. Rinsing With Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are helpful for more than just keeping the breath fresh. To kill bacteria that cause plaque and early gum disease, use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day. In addition, fluoride rinses can aid in the prevention of tooth decay and cavities.

How To Rinse Mouthwash

1. It does not matter if it gets rinsed before or after brushing.

2. Swish the mouthwash in the mouth for 30 to 60 seconds.

4. Eating And Drink Right

According to overwhelming data, sugar is the most significant dietary factor in tooth disease. The severity of decay is determined by the amount and frequency with which free sugars are ingested. Eat various foods to maintain good dental health, but limit sugary and starchy foods. These meals release the most excellent acids in the mouth; the longer they stay there, the more damage they do to teeth. Hard “sucking candies” are particularly hazardous since they remain in the mouth for an extended period.

Avoid snacking on candies, cookies, pie, cake, dry fruits and raisins, nuts like groundnut & almond, crackers, breadsticks, and sugary gums.

Consuming various foods rich in nutrients and avoiding those containing sugars and starches is essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy.

5. Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Add visiting the dentist to the to-do list; see the dentist at least once every six months. It is essential to schedule regular teeth checkups and professional teeth cleaning. In addition, if there is discomfort in the teeth or mouth, or if gums are bleeding or swollen, see the dentist.

Inquire about tooth sealants from the dentist. Sealant is a substance applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This coating protects teeth from decay and lasts an extended period, but it can only be used for teeth free of pollution. Therefore, it is frequently applied to a child’s permanent teeth when they emerge.

Some Other Ways to Care for The Teeth Are;

1. Stay away from smoking; avoiding tobacco is one of the best ways to protect teeth from serious harm. Avoiding tobacco use will protect them from mouth cancer and other periodontal disorders. Unfortunately, tobacco is not the only chemical that can harm the teeth; alcohol is also one of them.

2. Avoid Coffee, tea, and soda; these beverages may supply some nutrients to the mouth and body, but drinking too much of them might harm the teeth. Sodas can erode the teeth and cause dental problems like cavities. Tea and Coffee are the most common tooth stains. These drinks contain substances that may cause tooth discolouration.

3. Rinse the mouth with mouthwash immediately after chewing gum or taking something sugary; Use antibacterial mouthwash to rinse the mouth after chewing gum, baking soda, or eating anything sugary.

4. Use fluoride toothpaste and drinking water; Fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water can help to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. However, it is recommended not to consume too much fluoride because it might cause various problems.