Did you know? – Oral Health Edition

Oral health is the window to your overall health. It is essential to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue healthy and clean to enjoy everyday activities like eating, drinking, and smiling. As humans, we tend to pick up bad habits for our dental and overall health.

 

In this blog we will talk about some of the things you should do/not do to protect your oral health:

 

1. Acidity can cause dental problems

 

Tooth decay is often associated with sugary beverages or food. However, did you know, it’s really the acid that is the main culprit.  Acid is produced by the bacteria in the mouth, which break down sugars and carbohydrates, causing tooth erosion. Often, people will jump on weight loss trends such as consuming apple cider vinegar without understanding that acidic substances such as apple cider vinegar can cause direct erosion to your teeth. Acid reflux caused by GERD and stress can also contribute to tooth decay. It is important to watch what you consume and inform us of any acid reflux issues. Let us know if you’re consuming apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic foods or drinks so we can ensure that we provide the proper care for your teeth.  Remember it all adds up!

 

2. Mouthguards are important to prevent dental injuries

 

For people now going back to playing organized sports, protecting your teeth is very important. Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face, or jaw. They are usually made of soft plastic or laminate. Custom mouthguards are a great solution for athletes as they are made to fit your mouth perfectly and will better protect your teeth and probably also last longer. Over-the-counter ones will do the job until all permanent teeth are in and properly aligned for children who are still just getting their permanent teeth or have braces. Mouthguards are especially important for contact sports like Rugby, Lacrosse, Football, Soccer and Hockey. You don’t want to look like a hockey player missing front teeth!

 

3. Bruxism 

Many people tend to passively clench their jaw or grind their teeth due to stress or anxiety. This has increased over the past couple of years.  Clenching and grinding, called Bruxism, can affect your jaws and muscles, causing clicking in your jaws and discomfort. A night guard or bruxism appliance typically covers all teeth in one arch.  Wearing the night guard, causes the clenching and grinding to happen against the guard, not the opposing teeth. This helps to protect your teeth.

 

4. Brushing Your Tongue

 

Did you know brushing your tongue can prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease? The presence of bacteria on the tongue can lead to bad breath and brushing your tongue can help remove such harmful bacteria. You may consider using a tongue cleaner making it a part of your routine.  Interdental aids such as dental floss, interdental brushes, and water flossers, also assist in plaque removal.

 

5. Regular visits to your dentist are important

 

Regular dental visits are important, not just for cleaning but also for detecting dental cavities or other dental problems early. A thorough examination, cleaning, and radiographs, if necessary, help to detect problems early like cavities and bone loss that cannot be seen by just looking into your mouth, preventing larger issues down the road. The earlier we catch them, the less expensive they are to treat.

 

Schedule your dental appointment with Eglinton Square Dental Centre today!