Our teeth will decay if they are not diligently maintained.
Tooth decay will occur when teeth are exposed to anything acidic. Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body it is still susceptible to damage from acid.
The two main sources of acid that reach our teeth are acidic drinks and decaying food.
Acidic drinks
Acidic drinks such as soda, fruit juice, lemon water and many alcoholic drinks will directly cause tooth enamel to be damaged. Initially, these drinks soften the tooth enamel. Over time they cause the tooth to lose the outer enamel, and the inside of the tooth begins to decay. Because the tooth enamel is softened by acidic liquids we should not brush teeth after consuming such drinks. Drink water to wash away the acid, or wait 30 minutes before brushing.
Food Decay
Our mouth harbours a lot of bacteria, both good and bad. The bad bacteria in our mouth will turn any food left in the mouth into acid, and this acid will cause tooth enamel to decay. The worst type of food for tooth decay is sugar, though many other carbohydrates are also bad. Any food left in the mouth will cause at least some problems.
Some people have different combinations of bacteria in their mouths, so the susceptibility to tooth decay and gum problems will vary. But in all cases, if teeth are not properly cleaned there will be some problems.
Teeth can suffer damage from other sources of acid, though acidic drinks and sugar are the most common offenders. Stomach acid that reaches the teeth during illness (acid reflux or emesis) can severely damage teeth if not quickly rinsed away.
The basic concepts of cleaning teeth with a toothbrush and floss are known to most people. But many of us either tend to be negligent or have poor cleaning techniques.
Brushing is the most effective method for cleaning teeth. The brush itself should have soft bristles and be held at a 45-degree angle when brushing the outside of the teeth. The brush can be held in a flat horizontal position when cleaning the top and bottom of teeth. And used vertically when cleaning the inside of each tooth.
Flossing cleans the area between teeth. This can be up to 30% of the total tooth area, so flossing makes a fairly significant contribution. Alternatively, a Waterpik or air jet device can be used to clean the same area between teeth.
Mouthwash comes in various forms, all of which are optimized to treat different potential problems. It is healthy to use a general mouthwash at least once per day. Avoid any mouthwashes with alcohol as these cause a dry mouth and raise the risk of other dental issues.
We should brush at least twice a day. Use floss and mouthwash at least once per day.
Regular dental visits will address any problems with teeth and gums before they become too severe. We recommend a dental appointment every 6 months.
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