Prevention tips
9 useful tips for your oral health
HOW TO PROTECT THE TEETH OF THE WHOLE FAMILY
Ten useful tips for healthy teeth and gums.
1) START FROM THE PRINCIPLE
Teeth are formed in the womb, as early as the third month of gestation. A healthy diet for the expectant mother is essential. Foods rich in calcium such as dairy products, dried fruits and soy, are particularly suitable for developing strong teeth and bones in infants. Fluorine is also of fundamental importance for tooth resistance to decay. The use of fluoride must be daily in the form of tablets, fluoridated milk or fluorinated salt, and continued until the age of 10. The administration of the fluoride tablets should begin immediately after the birth of the baby, even better during the mother’s pregnancy, when the baby teeth are already forming. It should also be administered away from milk, because this food reduces its absorption. Common sources of fluoride are drinking water, toothpastes, and fluoridated mouthwashes.
Excessive concentrations can cause anomalies in the shape and color of the teeth and also make the enamel less hard (which also remains resistant to caries).
In addition, pregnant women must take special care: many, in fact, suffer from gingivitis due to hormonal changes. In addition, cravings for sweet foods and morning sickness can make them more vulnerable.
Therefore, it is even more important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a fluoride-based toothpaste and dental floss.
2) START EARLY WITH YOUR CHILDREN
A baby’s gums can also be rubbed after eating, using a damp cloth or gauze to remove any plaque residue. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how. Once your teeth are popped, gently clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If the baby drinks milk or fruit juice before going to sleep, the natural sugars in these foods and the bacteria in the baby’s mouth can interact and form acid that attacks the enamel. If the baby wants the bottle to sleep, it is preferable to fill it with water.
3) TEACH YOUR CHILDREN
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a good habit to encourage from an early age. Help your children understand the importance of brushing their teeth regularly and make it fun for them.
For the first few years you will have to wash them yourself: stand up behind them, gently tilt their head and assume the same position as when brushing your teeth. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, preferring one that children like.
4) BECOME FRIENDS OF THE DENTIST
Many children fear dentists because they only see them when they are sick. By taking them to the dentist regularly, not only will any problem be cured in time, but the visit to the dentist will become a habit and children will no longer be afraid.
5) HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY TEETH!
Children’s teeth, more than others, are at risk for cavities. The sugary foods and drinks they often adore put them at risk. This is especially true for snacks, which children generally eat outside the home, when they do not have the opportunity to brush their teeth.
Healthy snacks like wholemeal bread, raw vegetables and fruit not only help keep their teeth healthier, but also provide children with the energy they need to play and study.
6) MORE CARE WHEN CHILDREN GROW
When adult teeth replace baby teeth, it’s a good time to start flossing – that’s when your teeth are often uneven and sometimes very close together. Dental floss can get into tight spaces where the toothbrush can’t reach.
Many children will need braces to have straight, healthy adult teeth. The orthodontist will show them how to clean them while wearing braces and how to avoid plaque build-up.
7) AND YOU?
While children are more prone to tooth decay, adults are more susceptible to gum disease.
The problem is plaque – a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. Its bacteria react with food and drink to produce acids that attack the protective enamel. This can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. If neglected, this inflammation of the gums can lead to “periodontitis”, irreversible damage to the tissue and bone structure that support the teeth.
The best way to prevent oral diseases is to brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and go to the dentist regularly.
8) THE CARE OF THE GINGIVITIS
Most cases of tooth loss in adults are caused by gingivitis. This condition causes the gums to swell and bleed and is manifested by the accumulation of plaque above and below the gum line.
And. If caught early and treated by the dentist, as well as with better oral hygiene, gingivitis is reversible.
Gingivitis, if not treated in time, can degenerate into periodontitis (red and swollen gums that come loose from the teeth) and thus damage the bone that supports the teeth and ultimately leading to tooth loss.
At the first signs of gingivitis, see your dentist and / or hygienist.
9) CLEAN YOUR TEETH AND PASS THE INTERDENTAL FLOW CORRECTLY
How to brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth regularly will not keep your teeth clean and plaque-free unless done correctly. It only takes two minutes.
