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CHOOSING A TOOTHPASTE
The majority of experts agree that a
toothpaste is good for everyday use as
long as it is ADA (American Dental
Association) approved and has fluoride.
Unfortunately for those of us trying to
choose toothpaste from the endless
shelves of options, this requirement is
met by the majority of toothpastes on
the market. Once that requirement is
met, the only thing that matters is what
the person needs his or her toothpaste
to do.
People with sensitive teeth should go
for toothpaste that is designed to
desensitize teeth. These toothpastes
should include either strontium chloride
or potassium nitrate. These desensitize
teeth by protecting the tubules in the
teeth. These tubules are connected to
nerves with trigger painful feelings in
teeth.
If a person needs tartar control, tartar
control toothpastes are the way to go.
These toothpastes won't remove tartar
that is already there but they will
prevent new tartar from forming above
the gum line. Look for a toothpaste with
sodium pyrophosphate. These toothpastes
may cause sensitivity.
Antimicrobial toothpastes, like Colgate
Total, are designed to remove bacteria
that cause gum disease. They don't
remove existing tartar and should
include triclosa or some other
antimicrobial agent.
Baking soda toothpastes rely on baking
soda to give a person a clean, fresh
feeling after brushing. Beyond that,
they aren't designed to do anything
else. The baking soda is abrasive and so
might cause gum irritation with
prolonged use.
Whitening toothpastes include abrasive
ingredients with lighten teeth.
Unfortunately, they are also known for
irritating gums and sensitizing teeth.
While they may be cheaper than the
bleaching trays found in a dental
office, they are not nearly as
effective.
CHOOSING A TOOTHBRUSH
Having good oral hygiene is very
important. Gum disease not only affects
your teeth, but it leads to diabetes and
heart disease as well. Trying to figure
out which toothbrush to use can be
tricky. Below are a few recommendations.
Size is the first factor. For most
adults, a toothbrush head which is a
half-inch wide and an inch tall is most
effective. There are larger sizes
available, but they can be difficult to
maneuver in hard to reach places.
Bristles come in soft, medium and hard
varieties. For most people, soft
bristles are the best choice. If you
brush your teeth too hard, medium and
hard bristles could damage the enamel,
so it is best to be on the safe side.
Look for bristles with round tips.
To ensure the toothbrush has passed
dental standards, look for those which
have the American Dental Association
Seal of approval. For disposable
toothbrushes, the seal indicates the
toothbrush has been tested to have safe
tips, bristles which do not fall out
under typical conditions, a handle which
withstands everyday use, and that the
toothbrush reduces plaque in early
stages. Powered or electric toothbrushes
are tested for the above and go through
additional testing to prove they are
safe for use in the mouth and will not
damage any dental hardware in place.
Along with the above criteria, one
should consider cost, likeability,
effectiveness, and safety. Choose the
toothbrush you are most likely to use
frequently.
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OVERBRUSHING
There is a common belief among those
devoted to their teeth that is
impossible to brush the teeth too
frequently. It is also thought that
there is no possible way that anything
involving a tooth brush could hurt the
teeth. Both of these beliefs are
completely inaccurate. While it is still
recommended that the teeth be brushed
two times a day, a growing number of
dentists are beginning to recognize the
dangers of over-brushing.
Over-brushing has become a bigger
problem as more people have become more
concerned with their teeth. Americans
have always had a peculiar obsession,
almost, with the appearance of their
teeth. In the past couple of years, the
major dental companies have all
attempted to capitalize on this craze by
promoting an even larger number of
products for the teeth.
Unfortunately, this has lead to more
cases of over-brushing. As people use
more and more abrasive toothpastes in an
effort to get their teeth as white as
possible, they are actually damaging the
enamel of their teeth and exposing the
less hard subsurface portions of the
teeth.
Another side effect of brushing too much
is that the gums become irritated and
pull away from the teeth. This also
exposes the softer portions of the tooth
and can lead to even more damaging of
the teeth. When the cementum is exposed
to the abrasive qualities of whitening
and other toothpastes, it is possible
for it to become damaged and cause
serious pain.
IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING
Flossing allows teeth to be cleaned in
areas where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Flossing combined with brushing is the
best method to remove plaque, which
collects and solidifies over time.
Because plaque deposits can lead to gum
disease and tooth decay, it is important
to clean it off of teeth.
Learning how to floss properly is very
important. There are many different
techniques which work well. You
hygienist or dentist is able to
demonstrate the best way for you to
floss.
People have different preferences when
it comes to dental floss. There are many
types available, including waxed,
unwaxed, flavored, unflavored, regular,
and tape types. Generally, waxed floss
will slide between teeth with greater
ease. Flavored floss can be nice in
times when brushing and rinsing are not
options. Because taped floss is thicker,
those with wider spaces between teeth
often prefer it.
Dental floss made of "space age"
materials has now become available on
the market. The new material is stronger
and smoother than typical floss. Your
dentist will be able to recommend an
ideal floss for you.
There are dental floss holders and
intra-dental cleaners available for
people who suffer from arthritis or have
limited dexterity. Whatever your needs
are, with the array of products on the
market, you are bound to find one that
will meet your needs.
HOW
TO FLOSS CORRECTLY
While brushing twice a day does
wonderful things for a person's teeth
and mouthwash provides benefits as well,
flossing should be added to the mix on a
daily basis as well. In order for
flossing to be effective, it needs to be
done correctly. Like all things, if it
is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
The first thing to do for flossing is
brush the teeth with toothpaste. This
removes a lot of the big stuff from
between the teeth and lets the floss
perform its job better when it is
employed. Next, tear of about a foot and
a half of dental floss. Wind a bunch of
it around the middle finger of one hand.
A lot more should be wound around the
other middle finger.
While holding the center part of the
floss between the thumbs and
forefingers, direct the floss between
two teeth by gently rubbing it back and
forth. Once the floss reaches the gum
line, curve the floss around one of the
teeth and gently slide it back and forth
in the crevice between the tooth and the
gum. At this point, it is important to
hold the floss against the side of the
tooth. Then run up and down to ensure
that the maximum amount of stuff is
removed from between the teeth.
Repeat this process for all of the
teeth, including the back side of the
very last molar. As one part of the
floss gets worn out, move along through
the extra that is wound around one's
fingers.
Some people have teeth that are very
close together and so have issues
getting floss to fit between their
teeth. If this is a problem, there is
dental tape. Dental tape is thinner and
can usually solve this issue.
FOLLOWING A TOOTH-FRIENDLY DIET
We are all aware that the foods we eat
can affect our energy levels,
cholesterol, and even our overall mood.
There is another very important aspect
of our health that our diets can also
influence: our teeth and gums. Some
foods can help make teeth stronger,
while others can attack enamel and lead
to oral health complications.
Foods to Avoid
Sugar is present in many different kinds
of foods, from sodas to vegetables.
While it is a necessary part of a
healthy diet, an excess of sugar can
interact with chemicals in saliva to
produce an acidic substance that attacks
tooth enamel.
To reduce this risk, try to consume a
minimum of very sugary foods, such as:
Foods to Enjoy
Healthy food with not only contain a
minimum of tooth-damaging chemicals; it
can actually make your teeth stronger by
providing calcium and other minerals
that encourage healthy tooth growth. Try
to make sure that you are eating enough
of the following foods:
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Dairy products
or equivalent sources of calcium
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Nuts for the
minerals they provide
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Crunchy fruits
and vegetables for healthy, natural
sugar
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Meat, beans, or
equivalent sources of protein
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Plenty of water
to wash away food remnants after
eating
While chewing gum
that is high in fructose can contribute
to tooth decay, sugar-free gum can
actually increase oral health by
encouraging the production of saliva.
Speak with a Family Dentist.
PREVENTING BAD BREATH
Halitosis, often known as "bad breath,"
is a condition which is both
embarrassing and irritating, especially
since it is often first noticed by other
people. While the cause of bad breath
may not always be a oral health
condition, people worried about chronic
bad breath are well advised to talk to
their dentist about possible solutions.
So what causes people to have bad
breath? Sometimes, the cause of bad
breath is not necessarily an oral health
problem:
Eating Certain Foods
Foods such as garlic or onions contain
chemicals which, after being digested
and absorbed into the bloodstream, are
carried to and expelled from the lungs,
causing a generally unpleasant breath
odor. This odor usually persists until
the body has gotten rid of the food and
the associated compounds.
Use of Tobacco Products
Not only do tobacco products stain teeth
and damage gums, but they also cause
breath odor which repels most
non-smokers.
Medications
Certain medications have also been known
to cause halitosis. If you think that
this may be the case, consult your
dentist for more information.
However, there is often a link between
an oral health problem and bad breath.
For example, simply failing to brush and
floss regularly can leave food particles
trapped between teeth and in the mouth.
When these particles begin to rot, bad
breath odors are produced. Keeping your
mouth clean will eliminate this common
source of bad breath. Some other oral
conditions which may cause bad breath:
Xerostomia
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is
a shortage of saliva which makes it more
difficult for your mouth to naturally
clean itself of food particles. As noted
above, food particles trapped in the
mouth gradually begin to decay, creating
unpleasant odor. If you suffer from
xerostomia, your dentist may be able to
help by prescribing artificial saliva,
or giving you advice on how to remedy
the condition through your eating and
drinking habits.
Bad Breath as a Symptom of a Medical
Disorder
Respiratory tract infection, sinusitis,
diabetes, or gastrointestinal
disturbances are all medical disorders
which may result in bad breath, among
other symptoms. If you have chronic bad
breath, speaking to your dentist may
help you determine if your bad breath is
orally related, or if you should see a
general physician to diagnose other
medical issues.
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PERIODONTAL DISEASE - RISK FACTORS,
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Periodontal disease, sometimes also
called gum disease, is an infection of
the gum tissue that supports the teeth.
This infection causes the tissue
surrounding the teeth to break down,
resulting in tender gums, loose teeth,
and, in severe cases, tooth loss. While
gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal
disease, is generally reversible, more
advanced and destructive forms, known as
periodontitis, are much more difficult
to treat.
Tooth discoloration occurs over the
years for various reasons. Stains come
from internal and external sources,
causing teeth to be discolored and dull.
Although both types of stains can be
treated, the external stains are the
easiest to whiten. Before you decide to
be a part of any whitening system,
consult your dentist.
Good brushing habits are vital to
maintaining dental health, and play a
large role in preventing periodontal
disease, there are other factors which
may increase your risk of infection.
They include:
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Tobacco, either
smoked or chewed
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Diabetes and
other systemic diseases
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Certain
medications such as steroids
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Certain
anti-epilepsy and cancer therapy
drugs
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Improperly
fitting bridges
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Crooked teeth
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Defective
fillings
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Pregnancy or use
of oral contraceptives
Internal stains are
much trickier when it comes to tooth
whitening. These stains begin as soon as
your teeth start to grow. Children that
were exposed to the antibiotic
tetracycline during the time that their
teeth were developing are much more
likely to have discolored teeth as an
adult. If your teeth are internally
stained, your best cosmetic dentistry
option is porcelain veneers, however
there are other options. Consult your
cosmetic dentist to learn about these
options.
SMOKING PROMOTES
GUM DISEASE
It has long been known that smoking
cigarettes is one of the most
significant factors leading to gum
disease in people. New research suggests
that smoking marijuana promotes gum
disease, even in those individuals that
do not smoke cigarettes as well.
In the new study, which was published by
a New Zealand research organization, 900
young adults between the ages of 26 and
32 were examined by physicians and
dentists. The results: one third of the
individuals who had gum disease also
frequently smoked marijuana.
This finding held true even for light
users of marijuana (a mere once a week).
They tripled their chances of developing
gum disease by smoking a mere once a
week. The increased chances of gum
disease were also true for those that
did not smoke cigarettes but did smoke
marijuana.
The researchers involved in this study
say that toxins in marijuana restrict
blood supply to the gums which prevents
the gums from healing as they should.
Periodontist Peter Cabrera, who was
involved in the study, says that if an
individual smokes marijuana, they might
not even know they have a serious case
of gum disease until they start losing
teeth. This holds true in particular for
those that start smoking marijuana as a
young adult.
Gum disease, in addition to causing
teeth to fall out, also has been linked
to heart attacks and stroke. If the
disease is not treated, it will
progress.
Symptoms of
Periodontal Disease
Symptoms of
periodontal disease do not appear until
the disease has progressed to the
advanced stage. Abnormally bulging gums
is a common symptom of periodontal
disease. The other few obvious warning
signs of this disease are as follows:
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Swollen gums
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Persistent bad
breath
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Gum bleeding
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Sores and pain
in the mouth
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Loose teeth
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Bleeding, while
brushing and eating hard food
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Pus observed
between the gum and tooth
Causes of
Periodontal Disease
Poor oral hygiene: Ignoring oral health
is considered to be the main cause of
periodontal disease. Bacteria in our
mouth are constantly forming a colorless,
sticky film (plaque) on our teeth. If
brushing and flossing is not done
regularly, plaque gets accumulated,
which hardens over a period of time, to
form bacteria harboring tartar.
Unfortunately, normal brushing cannot
remove tartar. Only a professional
dentist will be able to remove tartar.
Bad habits: People who smoke or chew
tobacco have higher chances of
developing periodontal disease.
Illnesses: Patients suffering from
diseases that damage the gums, or
diseases that affect the immune system,
like diabetes, HIV, cancer, etc., are
more susceptible to infections,
including periodontal disease.
Medications: There are certain drugs
such as dilantin that is used for
treating seizures. Intake of dilantin
tablets can negatively affect the gum
tissue. Antidepressant drugs and oral
contraceptives can also affect oral
health.
Treatment for
Periodontal Disease
A visit to a periodontist (specialist in
periodontal disease) is advised, to
prevent any further damage. If left
untreated, periodontal disease can
become chronic (permanent health
problem) and lead to tooth loss.
Professional treatment can help
eliminate dental plaque. Dentists
generally go for non-surgical procedures
to remove tartar. Following are some of
the non-invasive therapies, commonly
used to treat this disease:
Scaling: In this procedure, the dentist
uses instruments and ultrasonic
apparatus for scraping the tartar and
plaque that is on the surface of the
tooth.
Root planing: After the dentist scrapes
the plaque from the teeth, the area is
cleaned thoroughly to smoothen the rough
spots of the teeth. This procedure
ensures reattachment of affected gums
and eradication of bacteria, if any.
Medication: Dentists use medicines to
control bacterial growth. These
medicines are generally applied during
and after non-invasive procedures. They
are often placed on damaged gums, to
suppress bacterial infections.
Surgery is only recommended when the
disease does not give any response to
non-surgical procedures. Surgery
treatments such as, crown lengthening
and soft tissue grafting, are commonly
prescribed to cure periodontal disease.
Dental surgery to cure this disease,
mainly involves removing the infected
gum tissue.
Practicing good dental hygiene is the
best and the most inexpensive way to
prevent periodontal disease. Brushing
and flossing twice a day, is essential
to maintain good dental health. You can
also use tartar control toothpastes to
prevent its buildup. Rinsing with
mouthwashes, prescribed by the doctor,
can also help to reduce bacteria in your
mouth.
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IMPORTANCE OF CALCIUM ON YOUR TEETH
From childhood, we are told to drink
more milk so that we can grow healthy
teeth and bones. As we grow older, we
learn that it is the calcium content of
dairy products which promotes strong
teeth and strong bones. And yet, despite
all the education we receive regarding
this important mineral, research has
found that, among Americans, calcium
deficiency is one of the most common
dietary deficiencies. Calcium, however,
has more benefits for your body than
most people realize.
Because we hear it so often, many people
start to "tune out" the information
about calcium and oral health. This is
unfortunate; a lack of calcium in your
diet can lead to much more than just a
nagging dentist.
When teeth are healthy, they are
protected by a layer of enamel, the
hardest substance in the human body,
which, incidentally, contains calcium.
The good news is that, in most cases,
the amount of calcium in teeth stays
constant even when your diet is lacking.
The calcium content of your bones,
however, does not. When your body
detects a calcium deficiency, it
secretes two hormones in response. These
hormones signal your bones to release
some of their calcium content into the
bloodstream in order to maintain a
balanced amount. If this process
continues for a long time, your bones
will begin to run short of calcium, and
will become increasingly weak and
brittle.
So how does this affect your teeth?
While teeth themselves may not be
directly affected by a calcium shortage,
don't forget that your teeth are
anchored in bone. When this bone starts
to lose calcium, it can no longer
provide adequate support to your teeth,
causing them to loosen in their sockets.
The resulting gaps are perfect places
for harmful bacteria to fester and grow,
leading to tooth decay. In other words,
a lack of calcium may not harm teeth in
a direct manner, but in the end, your
teeth will feel the negative effects. If
no treatment is obtained, you may even
end up losing teeth.
On the other hand, though a lack of
calcium has clearly negative effects, a
good supply of calcium has several
important benefits. Calcium has more
than one purpose in your body; that is,
it is not needed only as a mineral that
strengthens your bones. Did you know,
for example, that calcium is a key
component in triggering many cell
functions, as well as a substance which
helps nerves transmit their electronic
impulses? In short, your body needs a
sufficient supply of calcium to carry
out even the most basic functions.
Some recent study results highlight the
benefits of a calcium-rich diet.
According to some scientists, calcium
may actually be a factor in reducing the
risk of colon cancer. They postulate
that calcium left over in the digestive
tract after your body has absorbed all
it needs has the ability to bind to
cancer-causing substances and allow your
body to excrete them from your system.
WHY DO YOU TEETH
NEED CALCIUM
Calcium is a naturally occurring element
which is very important for living
organisms. In the human body, calcium is
nearly everywhere - in your bones, your
teeth, and your blood. It performs a
variety of vital functions, including
supporting bones, acting as a signaler
for cell activities, and assisting nerve
impulses. However, despite the
importance of calcium, a calcium
deficiency is one of the most common
dietary problems out there. Why is this?
At least in part, the problem is because
people fail to realize the true
importance of getting enough calcium.
Calcium and Your Health
Most people are vaguely aware of the
fact that calcium "builds strong teeth
and bones," to use the popular
catchphrase. Oddly, this knowledge does
not appear to translate into healthy
dietary habits. Perhaps more information
is needed. After all, having a vague
idea that calcium "is good for you" is
not nearly as compelling as
understanding the specifics.
Whether or not you realize it, your body
is keenly aware of its need for calcium.
When it does not get an adequate supply
of calcium, your body will immediately
take action. It produces hormones which
cause your bones to release some of
their calcium content into the
bloodstream. On a short-term basis, this
allows your body to function 'normally.'
However, when calcium deficiency
persists for a long time, your bones
start to lose too much calcium. They
become weak, brittle, and prone to
fracture. Furthermore, if you do break a
bone, it will take much longer to heal.
This weakening of your bones also
affects your teeth. While the amount of
calcium actually in your teeth usually
does not change very much, the bone that
your teeth are supported by can. As the
jawbone weakens, teeth become loose in
their sockets, creating gaps and spaces
where bacteria can fester and eat away
at enamel and gum tissue. In severe
cases, you may lose teeth altogether.
Suffice it to say that dentists have
good reason to encourage you to maintain
a healthy calcium intake.
Other body systems are also affected by
a calcium deficiency. Did you know that
lack of calcium can result in weight
gain and high blood pressure? This is
because the same hormones that your body
produces in response to a calcium
deficiency also promote the creation and
inhibit the breaking down of fatty
tissue, as well as cause the walls of
arteries to tighten and contract,
forcing blood pressure upwards.
On the other hand, keeping your body
well-supplied with calcium can yield
"unexpected" benefits. For example,
recent research has suggested a link
between healthy amounts of calcium and a
decreased risk of colon cancer.
Scientists theorize that leftover
calcium in your system binds to
cancer-causing agents and allows your
body to safely get rid of them. Without
that calcium, this process cannot
happen.
The message is very clear: your teeth -
and your body - need calcium. The next
time your dentist encourages you to
watch your calcium intake, don't brush
him off. He's only trying to ensure your
health and well-being.
ACIDIC FOODS AND TOOTH ENAMEL
Many of the foods and beverages that we
love the most do terrible things to our
teeth. For example, coffee stains the
teeth and leaves us with bad breath.
Other beverages and foods are capable of
destroying the outer layer of enamel on
the tooth. Dental enamel is a very thin
layer of hard tissue on the outside of
the tooth that assists in maintaining
shape and structure, while also
preventing the tooth from wearing down.
Acid is the number one enemy of tooth
enamel. A large body of dental research
suggests that people who eat and drink
foods that have low pH values, or high
acidities, are the most likely to
develop irreversible tooth erosion.
Some foods that are seen as being
healthy are also highly acidic. Fruit
and fruit products are high in both
citric and malic acids. This means that
as healthy as fruits are for the rest of
the body, they are not particularly good
for a person's teeth. Other problematic
foods include soft drinks because of
their phosphoric acid; fermented
products like yogurt for lactic acid;
and wine because of tartaric acid.
Just because a person's teeth have
already started eroding does not mean
that all hope is lost. It is not a
go-ahead to continue destroying one's
teeth. If a person cares about their
teeth and also loves acidic foods, there
are things that can be done to prevent
further damage. Using an alkaline or
neutral tooth paste and mouthwash can
help, as can chewing sugar-free gum
after meals to help increase salivary
flow dilute the acids on the teeth.
Topical fluoride mouth gels and rinses
can also help.
Tooth erosion is caused by acidic foods
and drinks 'dissolving' away the surface
of the tooth. It is becoming
increasingly more common, especially due
to greater consumption of fizzy drinks -
including 'diet' brands.
Erosion caused by foods and drinks
Acids in the mouth can dissolve away
tooth surfaces. Given the chance, teeth
will repair themselves, using minerals
from saliva. But if acid is in the mouth
too often, teeth cannot repair
themselves and the hard tooth surface
(the enamel) becomes thinner - this is
called 'erosion'.
The teeth can then become extra
sensitive to hot and cold food and
drink. Eroded teeth can also be more
likely to suffer decay.
The main cause of erosion is too
frequent consumption of certain kinds of
food and drink. All fizzy drinks
(including 'diet' brands and fizzy
mineral water), all 'sports' drinks, all
squashes and all fruit juices are acidic
to varying degrees. Pickles and citrus
fruits are examples of acidic types of
food.
Some medicines are acidic and,
therefore, erosive.
And people with some illnesses (such as
eating disorders) may suffer from
erosion because of frequent vomiting, as
stomach acids also erode teeth. For this
reason, dentists may ask about eating
disorders if they see teeth that are
very badly eroded.
Here are some key tips to prevent
erosion
-
Try and avoid
consuming acidic food and / or drink
too often during the day. Try to
have them only at mealtimes.
-
Drink acidic
drinks quickly - don't sip them. And
don't swish them round your mouth.
-
Between meals
you should only have 'safe' drinks,
which are not sugary or acidic. Milk
and water are 'safe' drinks. So are
tea and coffee if you do not add
sugar to them (you can use non-sugar
sweeteners).
-
You should try
and avoid snacking between meals. If
you do snack, only have 'safe'
snacks, which are not sugary or
acidic. Fruits, vegetables and
products (such as sandwiches, toast,
crumpets and pitta bread) are all
'safe' snacks. You should try and
avoid snacking between meals. Some
fruits, especially citrus fruits,
are acidic and are known to cause
erosion if they are consumed in
large quantities. This is not
normally a problem for most people;
however, you could discuss with your
dentist or hygienist the safest way
of enjoying these fruits.
-
Because acids
temporarily soften the tooth
surface, don't brush your teeth
immediately after eating or drinking
something acidic.
-
You should brush
your teeth twice a day, and always
use a fluoride toothpaste.
-
Your dentist can
identify erosion, pinpoint the
causes and advise you how to prevent
further damage.
SOFT DRINKS AND STAINED TEETH
It has long been known that soft drinks
such as Pepsi and Coca Cola are one of
many commonly consumed beverages that
have the ability to stain teeth. When it
comes to stains, the darkly colored
sodas in general are dangerous to your
teeth's whiteness and well-being.
For starters, sodas and soft drinks
contain a lot of acids. These acids
include phosphoric and citric acids
which are both extremely corrosive.
These two acids, despite the enamel's
reputation for being tough, are
perfectly capable of etching the surface
of the enamel. Once the enamel's surface
is etched, the teeth themselves are more
susceptible to being stained by any food
that can stain teeth.
In addition to acids, sodas contain a
lot of sugars. Sugars, as everyone
knows, do terrible things to teeth, like
causing cavities. Sugars have an easier
job of causing cavities in people who
drink sodas because the acids etch away
at the enamel, which is one of the
tooth's biggest defenses.
Dark sodas, such as Pepsi, Coca Cola,
and Dr. Pepper, all contain a coloring
agent to make them the dark color that
they are. This coloring agent acts as a
dye on the teeth. In this way, the dye
is similar to the way coffee turns teeth
yellow or brown. Sodas are more
efficient at staining teeth because of
the presence of the acid. The acid
weakens the enamel's ability to defend
the teeth from being stained.
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