Oral Health – If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to pay sufficient attention to proper oral care. The point is that there are a lot of factors (like oral hygiene, foods, and drinks, heredity, etc.) that can improve or worsen your oral health. That’s why it is essential to consider these seven oral health facts you should be aware of.
1. Tooth decay is one of the most common health issues
There are a lot of conditions that affect people all over the world. Tooth decay is deemed one of the most common conditions. It is second after the common cold. You should know that tooth decay occurs because of poor oral hygiene as well as the consumption of junk foods and drinks (sweet and acidic) that promote bacteria overgrowth.
2. Tooth brushing twice a day is essential
As mentioned above, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay. However, cavities are not the only consequence. If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day, bacteria in your mouth multiply actively. This can lead to bad breath, gum disease, tartar accumulation, and other negative complications. Additionally, it is recommended to use dental floss daily to remove food particles and dental plaque from hard-to-reach places.
3. Some foods and drinks can stain your teeth
Stains on your teeth can occur because of tooth decay, enamel wear, and other conditions. But you should know that foods and drinks are deemed the most common causes of tooth discoloration. For example, people who drink a lot of coffee often have dark and stained teeth. The point is that coffee contains both acids and pigments that soften and darken your tooth enamel.
4. Smoking can contribute to gum disease
Smoking is an extremely bad habit that can affect your overall health including the condition of your oral cavity. The point is that tobacco by-products tend to accumulate on your teeth and mix with dental plaque. This leads to bacteria overgrowth, tartar accumulation, and gum inflammation (gum disease). That’s why it is better to quit smoking and remove tartar buildup regularly.
5. Chocolate can be good for your teeth
Even though sweets promote bacteria overgrowth that leads to tooth decay and gum disease, a piece of dark chocolate can be quite beneficial. Dark chocolate contains chemicals called polyphenols. They can help fight the overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth. Polyphenols can neutralize the organisms that cause bad breath and prevent some sugars from converting into acids that destroy your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Therefore, you can indulge in the pleasure of eating a piece of dark chocolate.
6. Fluoride treatment can prevent cavities
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in many foods and water. It helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid in the mouth. Additionally, fluoride can reverse early tooth decay. If you are prone to cavities, you can ask your dentist about fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth.
7. Gum disease can affect your overall health
Swollen, red, and bleeding gums can be a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis). If left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis that can cause loose teeth, pus between the teeth, and teeth loss. Additionally, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other conditions. That’s why it is better to treat gingivitis in time rather than cope with the consequences of periodontitis.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that only you can prevent the development of oral issues and their negative consequences. You need to maintain proper oral hygiene, eat healthy foods, drink enough water, and visit a dentist for treatment or check-up in time.
