Everyone loves a good cuppa. In fact, tea is the second most frequently consumed beverage in the UK. Only water is more popular.
But with all the tea we drink, should we be worried about whether it affects our teeth? In this post, we’ll answer this question.
Ways that tea is bad for your teeth
Stains
Tea can stain your teeth. You can tell when someone drinks a lot of tea because they will have yellow or brown stains on their teeth.
The reason tea can stain your teeth is that it contains tannins. Tannins are yellow or brownish substances that give tea its colour.
To stop tea from staining your teeth, try rinsing your mouth after drinking it.
Cavities
While tea itself doesn’t cause cavities, the ingredients added to it can.
Take sugar for example. If you add sugar to your tea, then the sugar can increase your risk of cavities.
Honey is another example. Honey is an ingredient that some people add to their tea, but it’s also high in sugar, which can lead to cavities.
So it’s best to drink tea without sugar and honey. If you do want your tea to be sweet, however, then try using a sugar-free sweetener instead.
Lemon is another thing else that people add to their tea. The problem with lemon is not that it’s sweet but that it’s acidic. The acidity can erode your enamel.
So ideally it’s best not to put lemon in your tea, or at least use it sparingly.
Ways that tea is good for your teeth
Now that we’ve gone over the ways tea can be bad for your teeth, let’s go over the ways it can actually benefit your teeth.
Flouride
Black and green tea contain fluoride, which helps your teeth to ward off decay.
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in water and most foods, but it’s especially high in tea. It’s also found in toothpaste too.
The great thing about fluoride is that it’s an easy way to make your teeth stronger and healthier.
Polyphenols
Another good thing about tea is that it contains polyphenols. Polyphenols are micronutrients from plant-based foods that help to kill bacteria.
Thanks to its polyphenols, tea can actually reduce gum inflammation, gum disease, and even bad breath.
Alkalinity
Some teas are very good at reducing acid in your mouth. This is beneficial for your teeth because acid, if left to act, can erode your enamel.
The best teas at reducing acid are green tea (which typically has a pH of between 7 and 10 – where anything below 7 is acidic) and chamomile, mint, and fennel teas, which have a pH of between 6 and 7.
Conclusion
So is tea good for your teeth? The answer is yes. Tea helps to fight bacteria in your mouth and can also reduce your mouth’s acidity. So don’t feel guilty about drinking tea.
If you’re looking for something even better than tea though, try plain water. Unlike tea, water won’t stain your teeth.
Have you been experiencing sudden pain when your teeth are exposed to extreme heat or cold? Roughly 22% of U.S. adults report having an episode of pain associated with their teeth, gums or jaw in the past six months. Often tooth sensitivity is rather mild; however, when feelings of pain are severe or persistent it is best to visit your dental professional.
Sensitivity is a Symptom of Other Oral Health Problem
When the teeth become overly sensitive to hot or cold it is often the result of an underlying oral health problem. Those who choose to ignore these signs or procrastinate are potentially worsening the condition. It is best to schedule a dental examination when the problems first occur.
Roughly 30% of individuals have some genetic predisposition to developing periodontal disease.
Erosion of Enamel
Our teeth are naturally protected by enamel, which is the hard outside layer that is resistant to causes of potential decay. Enamel tends to weaken as we age and when it wears away we experience sensitivity from this exposure to the dentin layer beneath. Approximately 12% of individuals have some form of dental “hypersensitivity.”
These conditions arise from exposure often caused by acid, sugar, brushing too hard, and more. Our saliva contains calcium that helps to neutralize the acid. Often the erosion of enamel can also be recognized by the yellowish discoloration of exposed dentin.
Receding Gums
Our gums serve as the support structure for our teeth and help to protect the often sensitive nerves. When our gums recede, our teeth become more exposed and this results in potential sensitivity. Gaps that develop between the teeth and gums allow bacteria to enter and begin building up.
Gum recession increases the likelihood of developing gum disease, gingivitis, and infections in the region. Receding gums is a somewhat common condition. Because it develops slowly, it often goes unnoticed. Those who use tobacco products are at an increased likelihood of developing gum-related conditions.
Tooth Decay (Cavity)
When our teeth decay a cavity is created. These cavities expose nerves within the tooth that trigger feelings of pain. Sensitivity to hot or cold is a sign that a cavity may be developing or worsening. This sensitivity may also result when a filling that was used to repair the existing cavity chips away or falls out.
It is also possible that sensitivity stems from small cracks within the structure of a tooth. Hot or cold exposure to the region of the crack can cause nerve discomfort. Often these cracks are so small that you may have difficulty recognizing them.
Infection of Gums or Sinuses
Infection is something that may develop somewhere in our bodies that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Infections that occur in the region of the gums are called periodontal disease. Among those over the age of 30, nearly 50% will develop some problems with periodontal disease.
In the early stages, gum disease is considered to be gingivitis. Sensitivity in the teeth may be a preliminary symptom of the condition. In some cases, a sinus infection will also cause pain to develop in the tooth and jaw. This is the result of pressure associated with inflammation that creates pressure and discomfort.
Grinding of Teeth
Those who regularly clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth are likely to develop greater tooth sensitivity. This pressure and friction can cause the enamel to wear. Bruxism is a term that describes this condition. Many individuals grind their teeth at night while sleeping.
Those who grind their teeth during the night may experience achy feelings in the jaw in the morning. Some of these people will hear a “popping” or “clicking” noise when the jaw moves. Over longer periods, the teeth may also begin to shift out of proper alignment. One solution is to wear a mouth guard during the night.
This condition is often linked to stress. It is also common among those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Some studies have revealed that those taking psychiatric medications and antidepressants are more likely to grind their teeth.
Tooth Whitening
There are now many products in the market today for tooth whitening. Some of these include whitening “strips” and gels that can be applied to the teeth for this purpose. One ingredient commonly found in these products is hydrogen peroxide. In many cases, hydrogen peroxide can create significant sensitivity. Typically, the level of sensitivity will diminish over days or weeks.
When to Visit a Dental Professional
What are some indications that you should promptly seek professional dental care? Those who experience pain that persists for more than two days are encouraged to visit a dentist. Some people may feel intense tooth sensitivity that develops into a migraine headache. If a high level of tooth sensitivity is accompanied by a fever it is best to have a dental exam.
Possible Treatment Options
Remember that it is always best to have a dental exam promptly when symptoms occur to prevent the problem from worsening.
When a cavity has developed in the area of sensitivity it may need a filling to alleviate the discomfort.
If your dentist determines that the sensitivity is the result of an infection it may require a root canal. This involves cleaning out the area where the infection exists and then applying filler material.
Toothpaste is available that will desensitize the tooth and reduce the pain.
Your dentist may consider treating sensitive teeth using fluoride. The dentist may prescribe a fluoride treatment that you can perform at home.
If the root area of a tooth becomes exposed your dentist may use a resin product that can create a bond and seal the area.
In some cases, the root of the tooth has lost much of its supportive tissue. This may be treated by a grafting procedure using tissue from some other area of the mouth.
Consider using a toothbrush that has softer bristles and remember to brush gently.
It is critical to remember the fundamentals of oral health—to brush and floss the teeth daily.
Do you have a salty taste in your mouth, and you don’t know why? Well, if you have diabetes, a taste disorder can be one of the complications. If you don’t have diabetes but have a strange or salty taste in your mouth, you may want to talk to your dental professional and health care provider. Here are other symptoms and remedies that are good to know.
Diabetes and Taste Disorders
Having diabetes can put you at a greater risk for developing taste disorders, also known as Dysgeusia. Taste disorders can cause a bad, sour, or salty taste in your mouth. If you have diabetes and a taste disorder, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, dental cavities, and other oral problems.
Additional complications from diabetes affecting the mouth can include:
Dry mouth – caused by high blood sugar levels
Neuropathy – affects the nerves in your mouth, causing a burning sensation
Sweet foods don’t taste sweet – if you have Type 2 Diabetes
Dry Mouth
High blood sugar levels, diabetes medications, and other medications can cause diabetes to have dry mouth (Xerostomia). Having a dry mouth can affect your sense of taste as well as impact chewing and swallowing. Plus, chronic dry mouth can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Complications of Salty Taste in Mouth
If you have a chronic taste disorder, you may discover that dry mouth is the cause of that salty taste in your mouth. That puts you at a greater risk of cavities and gum disease. You need saliva to wash away food particles and keep bacteria, causing tooth decay at bay. Regular checkups with your dental professional are key.
Remedies for Salty Taste in Mouth for Diabetics
Here are lifestyle improvements and home remedies to help alleviate dry mouth and taste disorder symptoms:
Don’t smoke
Avoid breathing through your mouth
Rinse daily with an alcohol-free mouthwash
Sip water regularly throughout the day
Replace sugary and salty foods with fruits and veggies, which are high in water
Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva
Having diabetes can put you at risk for developing a taste disorder, such as having a salty taste in your mouth that won’t go away. You could also have a dry mouth, which can lead to poor oral health. A salty taste in the mouth doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. And there are ways to remedy the problem. However, if you have it often and for a long time or don’t have diabetes and your sense of taste is off, you should follow up with your healthcare provider.
DRY MOUTH symptoms include bad breath, dry lips and a soreness inside the mouth. Recurrent mouth infections and gum disease could come as a result of ignoring dry mouth.
Dry mouth symptoms include cracked corners of the mouth and bad breath
A feeling of soreness in the mouth could also be signs of dry mouth
Condition can lead to mouth infections and gum disease
Diabetes could also be causing dry mouth
Dry mouth affected a third of people during the last week of December, a survey has revealed.
But, 28 per cent of people aren’t even aware that dry mouth is a condition that you could suffer from at some point in your lifetime, the survey by Biotène claimed.
The condition can affect peoples’ taste, and can lead to disturbed sleep.
Dry mouth symptoms include bad breath, a feeling of soreness in the mouth, stickiness to the touch and cracking at the corners of the mouth, the mouth looking red and parched, or having a pebbled look to the tongue.
“Saliva lubricates and prevents the mouth drying out.
“Saliva has an important role in keeping your mouth healthy.
“Reduced salivory flow can lead to mouth infections, dental decay, bad breath, and also disturb your sleep.”
Dry mouth can be caused by taking certain medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics.
About 80 per cent of commonly prescribed medications can cause dry mouth.
It could also be caused by diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, getting older and treatments for head and neck cancers.
Those most at risk of the condition are those aged between 25 to 34 years old, according to Biotène.
Drinking more fluids could help to reduce dry mouth symptoms, the NHS said. It suggested taking regular sips of cold water, or an unsweetened drink.
Alternatively, sucking on sugar-free sweets can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva.
If these measures don’t help, you can use saliva substitutes to boost the moisture inside your mouth.
These can come as a spray, gel or lozenge, the NHS said. Biotène also offers toothpaste and mouthwash to treat dry mouth.
Many people dream of a beautiful white smile. Luckily, there are five foods that can help whiten your tooth enamel naturally!
Strawberries: Sounds crazy right? You'd think their juicy red center would stain your teeth, however, that's not the case! Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid that can help whiten your teeth. Consider mashing up a few strawberries and rubbing them on your teeth. Allow it to sit for about five minutes before you rinse, brush, and floss your teeth like normal.
Apples, Celery, and Carrots: Veggies and fruits are natural stain removers. They produce lots of saliva in the mouth which wipes away all foods and bacteria. Their crunching factor also helps scrub your teeth clean.
Dairy Products: Yogurt, milk, and cheese contain lactic acid, helps protect teeth from decay. Some researchers believe proteins in yogurt create a layer on top of the teeth that can remove stains and protect against harmful acids.
Oranges, and Pineapples: Eating tart fruits such as oranges and pineapples may cause the mouth to produce more saliva. Just like apples, celery and carrots it can wash away teeth naturally. Beware of using lemons directly on teeth! Too much acidity can cause damage.
There are many effective ways to whiten your teeth! Consider trying some of these natural remedies to help brighten your smile.
When most people think of an infection, they think of being sick. Unfortunately, many people do not include mouth infections in their idea of being sick. The reasons for this are many.
Some people mistakenly assume that the mouth is separate from the rest of the body because it requires the care of a dentist instead of a medical doctor. Therefore, they think that problems in your mouth do not make you “sick”.
For others, it is simply the lack of the understanding that many dental problems actually are serious infections.
There are some people who believe that if nothing hurts, then nothing is wrong.
All of these misconceptions are dangerous because they cause people to overlook serious infectious diseases in the mouth.
What is an Infection?
An infection is the invasion of the human body by disease-causing microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, and fungi among others). These organisms multiply and produce toxins, which cause the body to respond with inflammation.
Like the gastrointestinal tract and the skin, the mouth is always full of microorganisms, and most of them are not bad. Many bacteria are actually good for the body. The term infection does not include these good organisms. Infections involve bad bacteria that cause disease and destruction of the body’s tissues. The most common infections in the mouth are caused by a wide variety of bacteria. Fungal infections can often occur on the tongue, roof of the mouth, and corners of the lips.
What Dental Problems are Actually Infections?
Most dental problems are actually infectious diseases. There are a few that can occur in the absence of bad microorganisms, like cracked teeth or TMJ problems. The vast majority, though, are the result of an overgrowth of the wrong kinds of organisms in the mouth.
Cavities
There are multiple types of bacteria associated with cavities, and the most common is Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria adheres to the tooth in dental plaque (which is why brushing and flossing helps prevent cavities). This bacteria ingests carbohydrates and produces a strong acid as the by-product.
Because these bacteria stick to the teeth, the acid comes into direct contact with the tooth and begins to soften and weaken the enamel. Without intervention, the bacteria continue to multiply, producing more and more acid, which dissolves tooth structure. As the process continues, the bacteria literally eats its way through a tooth, leaving a hole (or “cavity”) in its wake. Unchecked cavities destroy the tooth itself.
Cavities become very dangerous when the bacteria reach the nerve and blood vessels in the hollow center of the tooth. As they continue to multiply and spread, a large abscess can form. In the most dangerous scenarios, the infection spreads into the airway, bloodstream or brain, causing death.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontal disease, is the body’s response to an infection of toxic bacteria in the gums. As the bacteria collect in various crevices around the teeth, they produce toxins that destroy gum tissue and jawbone. Once started, this process is impossible to stop without intervention by a dentist.
Gum disease does spread to nearby teeth and can develop abscesses, just like cavities can. Unchecked gum disease destroys the foundation of the teeth, so even healthy teeth can simply fall out.
Candida Fungal Infections (Thrush)
Fungal infections are slightly less common than bacterial infections in the mouth. They often occur on the roof of the mouth underneath a denture or partial. Thrush commonly develops on the tongue in a person with a severely dry mouth or compromised immune system. You can also experience an overgrowth of fungus in the corners of the mouth, called angular cheilitis.
Fungal infections cause a whitish buildup in the affected area and can be uncomfortable, if not outright painful. This type of infection commonly affects the very young, the very old, and the very sick.
What Symptoms Indicate the Presence of a Mouth Infection?
The problem with dental problems is that they often occur without causing any symptoms in their early stages. We always want to stress the importance of consistent dental evaluations so that you prevent any infections or catch them in the earliest stages.
Pain
A toothache or pain in your gums is a bad sign. Because of the prevalence of cavities and gum disease, it is safe to assume that pain in your mouth is a symptom of an infection. This is especially true for people who have not seen a dentist in over a year.
Swelling
Any swelling in the gums is a red flag for infection. If it is a small pimple-like swelling on the gums, you likely have an abscess from a tooth. Swelling around multiple teeth where the gums meet the teeth is a sign of inflammatory gum disease.
Any swelling that affects the head or neck and is visible from outside the mouth is extremely dangerous. Treat any such swelling as an emergency and seek urgent care!
Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums do not bleed. Only the presence of inflammation causes bleeding of the gums, especially during normal oral hygiene like brushing and flossing. The inflammation, which includes redness, swelling and tenderness, is the body’s natural response to toxins produced by the bacteria in dental plaque.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is the result of stinky gases produced by bacteria in the mouth. Often these bacteria hide in the grooves and tiny crevices on the tongue or between the teeth. The more bacteria present, the worse your breath will be.
Receding Gums and/or Loose Teeth
As gum disease progresses, the destruction of gum tissue and bone by bacterial toxins causes the gums to back away down the roots of the teeth. This is often visible as receding gums, making the teeth appear longer. As the gums and bone recede, you lose vital support for the teeth, and they may become loose.
When teeth become loose without any injury, it indicates a serious gum infection called periodontal disease or periodontitis. Chronic periodontal disease increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. This is not something to ignore!
A Persistent White Coating
A fuzzy or sticky white coating that persists for several days, even with good oral hygiene, may indicate a fungal infection. The fungus Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that will reproduce rapidly whenever it can.
Do not attempt to scrape or scratch away any white coating that does not rinse off with a vigorous warm salt water swishing. Simply perform your normal oral hygiene routine and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Then see your dentist or medical doctor for evaluation and prescription of an anti-fungal medication.
While regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene are essential for healthy teeth and gums, unhealthy habits could be harming your dental health. Bad dental habits could be undermining your efforts to have good teeth. For patients who engage in bad habits, such as smoking, chewing on ice, and more, there are different ways you could be impacting your oral health. At LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, we strive to educate our patients on how to take care of their teeth and gums. This blog discusses what bad habits could negatively impact your oral health and what bad dental habits you should kick.
What bad habits are harming your dental health?
Our teeth and gums play a vital role in digesting food and speaking to others, giving our facial structure its shape. However, with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, some people engage in bad habits that could be harming their oral health. Read on to learn more from LANCO Dental Care about seven oral habits that could be damaging your teeth and gums.
1. Smoking or tobacco use
Tobacco use of any kind can not only hurt your overall health, but it can also be harmful to your teeth and gums. While yellow teeth from smoking are a common cosmetic issue, this habit can increase a person's risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or oral-related cancers.
2. Chewing hard candies or ice
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, yet chewing ice can damage it. Our tooth enamel is the first line of defense against cavities. However, chewing ice or hard candy can causes chips or cracks, leaving teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.
3. Vigorous brushing
Brushing regularly is vital to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, aggressive brushing or overbrushing can wear down tooth enamel, causing receding gums and sensitive teeth. While diligent oral care is necessary for good hygiene, change your brushing habits if you overbrush or brush your teeth too hard.
4. Using teeth as "tools"
Dentists and dental hygienists report that patients rely on their teeth for odd reasons: opening a package, biting their nails, or carrying an object when their hands are full. Using your teeth as a tool can damage tooth enamel, causing teeth to chip, crack, or weaken. Next time, protect your smile by grabbing scissors or a box cutter.
5. Excessive sugar
An unhealthy diet of sugary treats and sodas can lead to tooth decay. Sugar causes bacteria in the mouth to convert to an acidic layer that eventually turns into plaque and tartar. Healthy teeth and gums require a nutritious diet. Next time you want a treat or snack, consider a healthier option to preserve your smile.
6. Frequent snacking
Lancaster, PA patients increase their risk of developing cavities with constant snacking or eating throughout the day. Sugary or starchy treats or foods will stick around in your mouth all day, only increasing the risk of harmful bacteria forming. If you need a snack or treat, rinse your mouth with water afterward to prevent leftover food particles from lingering on your teeth all day long.
7. Grinding or clenching
Bruxism is an oral habit of grinding or gnashing your teeth. People can do it throughout the day or at night while sleeping. At LANCO Dental Care, we check for signs of bruxism during routine dental visits. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, our dental experts can provide a custom mouth guard or dental applicant to protect your oral health from this condition.
If you suffer from allergies, the medication you are using may also be causing dry mouth. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition that leads to cavities and gum disease.
ALLERGY MEDICINE AND DRY MOUTH
Allergy medications are not the only reason for dry mouth. When your nose is stuffed up, you also breathe through your mouth. When you mouth-breathe, you dry out the gingival tissue and do not produce as much saliva. Allergy medicine compounds the problem, as it can contain ingredients that lead to dry mouth conditions. For example, antihistamines taken for allergies and asthma may have hydroxyzine hydrochloride, desloratadine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, or cetirizine, all of which cause dry your mouth. Popular brands, such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec, each contain the last three ingredients, respectively.
WHY DRY MOUTH LEADS TO PROBLEMS
Dry mouth leads to oral health woes because you need saliva to wash away plaque and remineralize the dental enamel naturally. When you lack saliva, this cannot happen. Therefore, dry mouth triggers dental complaints, such as cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
To lessen the effects of dry mouth, you might check with your allergist to see if you can substitute your over-the-counter allergy medication with something else. It also helps to drink water during the day to keep your mouth moist - about (8) 8-ounce glasses. Eating foods that contain water also helps to reduce dry mouth symptoms. Foods, such as lettuce, pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe, all can be consumed to add moisture to the mouth.Do you have a dry mouth? If so, the underlying cause could be an allergy medication you are currently taking.
While it’s important to receive regular cleanings and check-ups from a dentist, there are also ways you can take care of dental health at home. Almost everyone knows to brush and floss their teeth, but what about these lesser known tips? Here are 7 daily habits that boost dental health without taking up your time or breaking the bank.
1. Brush Properly
This first habit is a simple one and also one many people break. A majority of the population does not spend the right amount of time brushing their teeth, which allows plaque and food particles to remain behind. To get the most out of your brushing sessions, move the toothbrush in small, circular motions and apply medium pressure.
Brushing needs to be done for 2 minutes twice a day. To reach this goal, sing the alphabet song in your head twice during each session. Only spit and rinse once you have reached “Z” twice.
At the same time, make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush. The softer bristles are less damaging to your dental enamel and will eliminate food particles without causing damage. They will also not hurt your gums, reducing the chances of recession and bleeding.
2. Brush Your Tongue
Plaque is a film of bacteria which coats the inside of the mouth during regular activities like eating and drinking. While most people are great at eliminating it from their teeth and gums, plaque can also build up on the surface of the tongue. It most cases, it looks like a white film that discolors the muscle.
To remove plaque, use your brush and carefully scrub the surface of your tongue. You can use your bristles or the back of your toothbrush. Just avoid pressing too hard or going too far back in the mouth, because you could trigger the gag reflex.
If you are continuing to have a problem with plaque building up, consider adjusting your diet to include fewer sugary foods and beverages. Instead, consume fresh fruits and vegetables that leave less plaque and are healthier in the long run.
3. Floss Both Sides of Your Teeth
Proper flossing means you need to reach all of your teeth and also address both sides. On average, people who floss will only pull the string to the right or to the left. This results in them missing the side of one of their teeth. To improve your oral health, make sure you are pulling the floss to the right and left so the entire mouth is clean and healthy.
4. Use Fluoridated Care Products
Fluoride has received a mixed reputation online. Bloggers and others have started to claim the fluoride used in oral hygiene products has negative effects on health, but this is not true. Instead, fluoride is a natural part of the human diet responsible for identifying microscopic patches of decay in the dental enamel and helping the surface repair itself.
To improve your dental health, invest in a fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Brush for two minutes like normal so the fluoride has time to penetrate the enamel and start repairs. Then, rinse with a mouthwash. Your smile will be healthier and brighter.
As a note, children under six should not use fluoridated products as it can cause discoloration. After six, it is safe to use a dentist approved children’s toothpaste.
5. Drink Water
Water is essential for health, but many people avoid drinking plain water in favor of soda, coffee, tea, juice, and carbonated beverages. While these drinks might taste delicious, they can have lasting effects on your smile. For example, coffee and tea are well-known for causing discoloration. Soda and juice, meanwhile, contain unwanted sugars and acids which damage the dental enamel.
To improve your health, drink plain water as often as possible, especially with meals. The water will rinse away food particles and debris and will also hydrate you and your muscles. Water also does not stain or degrade the teeth, so you don’t have to worry about the negative side effects common with other beverages.
On average, people are encouraged to drink 8 cups of plain water a day.
6. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Did you know that eating hard materials is actually necessary to keep your mouth healthy and your jaws strong? A common problem with the modern diet is it not only focuses on softer foods, but people are also less likely to reach for fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables.
Unprocessed fruits and vegetables can help improve not only dental health, but your overall health as well. The vitamins and nutrients can benefit your body, and the pressure and chewing required by eating will keep you jaw and oral muscles strong.
Even young children can benefit from having cut up pieces of vegetables like carrots and broccoli to start strengthening their mouths.
7. Wait Before You Brush
One of the worst things you can do to your teeth is to brush them right after eating or drinking acidic, sugary products. When you consume these foods and beverages, they leave some of their acid and sugar on the surface of the teeth. When you brush right after, your toothbrush actually spreads the acid and sugar around. Since the enamel is softened by these substances, you are causing irritation to weakened enamel and can actually remove pieces from your smile.
Instead of brushing your teeth right away, wait at least 30 minutes. This gives your mouth time to remove the acid and sugar, and your enamel will have hardened and strengthened back to normal.
Conclusion
Following these 7 daily habits can help you avoid needing in-depth orthodontics treatment down the road. For many adults, orthodontics treatment is necessary because the teeth have been damaged, broken, or shifted from unhealthy habits.
Orthodontic work can be expensive so you might be tempted to brush off your one or two crooked teeth or small alignment issue as merely cosmetic. That one crooked tooth gives you character, right?
Crooked teeth, even the smallest of imperfections, can lead to dental problems. Here are 7 reasons even small alignment issues can impact your dental health:
Harder to Clean Teeth
The biggest issue with crooked teeth is that because the teeth are all jammed into one another, it is harder to properly clean your teeth. It can be very difficult to get the floss in between crooked teeth. This leads to plaque buildup and food particles getting stuck in between your teeth. When bacteria is allowed to grow in your mouth, it can lead to a lot of dental issues.
Greater Risk for Gum Disease
You may not realize it, but your crooked teeth actually don’t sit right in your mouth and your gums don’t fit as tightly around them as they should. This leads to the development of small pockets between your teeth and gums which attracts bacteria which turns into plaque and can lead to periodontal disease, which is a serious disease where you can lose teeth. Crooked teeth are also more likely to get cavities as well.
Likely Culprit of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be embarrassing. It is hard to get close to people when you are constantly worried that you are grossing them out with your breath. While you probably just chalk bad breath up to something you ate, your crooked teeth might be causing that bad breath. That odor is coming from the lingering bacteria stuck between your crooked teeth. If you are always very diligent about proper flossing and brushing and still suffer from constant bad breath, it is time to see an orthodontist.
More Wear and Tear on the Teeth
When your teeth are crooked, the surfaces are uneven, with some teeth protruding out. This often leads to the teeth rubbing against each other. This can speed up the wear and tear on your teeth and the thinning of enamel causing them to age a lot quicker than normal.
More at Risk for Tooth Injury
If you play sports and get hit in the face during a game or you just trip and fall while you are out and about, protruding teeth are more at risk of being injured. They can get easily chipped or even fractured. If this were to happen, it is best to see the dentist right away to have any cracks or fissures sealed up so that the rest of the tooth doesn’t start to decay.
Increases Your Risk for Disease
It is not just your dental health that crooked teeth can adversely affect. It can affect your overall health as well. Gum disease has been shown in countless studies to have direct correlation to serious disease like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer ’s disease. The inflammation in the gums can lead to higher levels of inflammation throughout the body, making you highly susceptible to many diseases.
Not Too Late To Do Something about It
Regardless of how long you have had crooked teeth, it is never too late to do something about it. Make today that you schedule a free consultation with a trusted orthodontist. They will evaluate your particular situation and come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.
Before choosing a treatment, make sure you understand what each treatment option entails. The traditional approach is metal braces which are a combination of metal and wires that are adhered to your teeth and slowly move your teeth into better alignment. Another option is Invisalign aligners which are clear and removable braces.
Here is what you should know about current treatment options:
Metal braces
These are permanently adhered to your teeth and can only be taken off by the orthodontist at the end of treatment
The orthodontist tightens the wires during treatment to help shift the teeth
There are certain food and drink restrictions with this treatment
May have to wear them for three or more years depending on how your treatment goes
Most bite and alignment issues can be treated by metal braces
Invisalign
They are clear plastic aligners that can be easily removed
Can be removed to eat and to brush and floss your teeth
Treatment includes a new set of aligners every two weeks as your teeth shift into proper alignment
Invisalign can also handle both simple and complicated alignment issues
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front making them practically invisible to the people around you. They are made up of brackets and wires like traditional braces, but because of their positioning they are more discrete.
Unfortunately there are some bite conditions that cannot be treated with lingual braces. Patients with a deep overbite are not good candidates for lingual braces because the overbite might put too much pressure on the brackets leading to the brackets falling off. During an evaluation, your orthodontist will be able to determine if lingual braces will work for you.
Another concern is that not all orthodontists offer this type of treatment. It requires special training because the wiring work is more intricate than it is with traditional treatment. Another concern is that they can be more difficult to clean properly because it is on the back of your teeth which is harder to reach.
Interested in learning more about your options? Picking the right orthodontist is also key to ensuring your teeth are healthy. You want to choose someone who has the best skills and education to give you the best treatment results and you want a staff that is caring and compassionate about your worries and needs. Make sure you do some research and schedule a few consultations to find the right orthodontist.
