Looking after your oral health should be an important daily lifestyle habit. Not looking after your mouth can lead to dental problems that would require a trip to the dentist, sometimes in an emergency. Of course, you can prevent catching a disease or having restorative treatment by making sure your teeth and gum health is a priority to you.
If you’re seeking to maintain a rich and healthy smile, this starts and ends with you and your lifestyle habits. Here are some interesting dental facts that may encourage you to take your oral health seriously.
Brush Your Teeth Properly
Did you know that there is a certain technique you need to follow to get the best results when brushing your teeth? Your soft-bristled toothbrush should be angled at 45 degrees so it’s pointing towards the root of your front teeth and gums, and that you gently brush your teeth in a circular motion. It is also recommended that you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste as they can assist with protecting your enamel from tooth decay.
Tooth Decay Is A Common Disease
A cold is the most common disease globally, but do you know tooth decay is second? Children are at greater risk of tooth decay compared to adults. This is a consequence of a lack of brushing and the appropriate dental habits to keep your teeth clean from bacteria.
Saliva Is A Vital Protection Tool
The moisture inside your mouth owes to high saliva levels. Saliva is a natural defence against tooth decay that helps to dilute acids and digest food debris. Doing so helps to reduce tooth decay and dental plaque build-up. Many foods help to promote greater saliva levels.
Proteins Are Great For Teeth
Protein is generally considered important for muscle-building, but did you know proteins are great for your teeth as well? Protein contains a mineral called phosphorous, which is needed to build strong healthy bones. You can find phosphorous in foods such as cheese, fish, dairy, and nuts.
Smoking Is Bad
Smoking does more damage to your teeth and gums than you think. Smoking contributes to bad breath, but the chemicals in a cigarette can also cause discolouration and weaken your resistance to infection. Smoking can also gradually introduce slower healing after any dental treatment.
Are You Visiting The Dentist?
A healthy oral routine constitutes visiting the dentist typically every six months or two times a year. Even if you may think your teeth and gums are strong, the dentist can identify any dental problems during a check-up.
Protect Your Enamel
The enamel is located at the front surface of your teeth and is considered the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel defends your teeth from a variety of chemicals exposed to a fad diet comprising of sugar and processed foods. This can naturally cause wear and tear, known as enamel erosion. If your enamel weakens; it can introduce the danger of bacterial infections to your oral health and tooth decay.
Oral Health Is A Global Problem
At least half of the world’s population is affected by oral health problems, and it’s important to ensure that you don’t fall into the category of at least 3 billion people who could have strong oral health. Through simple tweaks to lifestyle and maintaining a strong oral routine, regular checks at the dentist will be quick and smooth.
Many Neglect Dental Flossing
Many Australians do not floss after brushing their teeth. This means that food debris could remain stuck in between teeth, transforming into bacteria and subsequently building dental plaque around your teeth. Chances of tooth decay are significantly reduced if you floss your teeth regularly.
Bad oral health does contribute to many diseases such as gum disease, heart attack, and endocarditis. By reading these interesting dental facts, you can build up your case for strong oral health by adopting the right lifestyle choices to maintain a healthy smile.
If you’re seeking support to adopt these interesting dental facts to help with your smile, consult your local dentist for the best advice!
