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Have you considered improving your dental health for the new year? Here are some tips from dentist Martin Ritchie
IMPROVE YOUR DIET
People need to remember that good oral health is important for overall health.
The main oral diseases are decay and gum disease – both of which are largely preventable.
Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease and, together with poor diet, is the main cause of the development of dental decay.
A diet rich with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre can help prevent gum diseases. Gum disease, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, heart disease and problems in pregnancy, including low birth weight.
Eating habits also have potential to impact on oral health. Often, people are snacking throughout the day and they need to remember the frequency and quantity of sugar intake.
Your teeth are under acid attack for up to an hour each time you eat or drink sugary items.
If snacking, snack on savoury foods such as breadsticks, raw vegetables, nuts, cheese and drink plenty of water instead of sugary drinks. Cut down how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
After eating, it is also a good idea to chew a sugar-free gum containing xylitol to help minimise tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks can also be harmful to your teeth. Excessive acid can wear away the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
LIMIT SMOKING AND DRINKING
A combination of smoking and alcohol misuse as well as poor diet has been linked to an increased risk of developing mouth cancer.
It’s estimated that heavy drinkers and smokers have 38 times more risk of developing mouth cancer than people who neither drink nor smoke.
According to ScottishDental.org (part of NHS Scotland), over 500 people may be diagnosed with mouth cancer in Scotland this year. Smokers are also more susceptible to having gum disease as well as staining on the teeth.
HELP KIDS ACHIEVE BETTER ORAL CARE
A regular teeth-cleaning routine is essential for good dental health. Make sure your child brushes properly for two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
Where necessary, guide your child’s hand so they can feel the correct movement. Supervise tooth brushing until your child is seven or eight years old. Try to make it as fun as possible and remember to take your child for regular dental checkups.
ADDRESS ANY UNRESOLVED DENTAL ISSUES
You may have a particular issue, however big or small, that bothers you. It may be a chipped tooth, a gappy smile, an old filling or possible bad breath. Do not ignore it; book an appointment with a dentist to address the problem.
BRUSH TWICE A DAY
Brush every surface of your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about two minutes, once last thing at night before you go to bed and once in the morning every day to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Tooth brushing stops plaque build-up; not brushing contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
SEE YOUR DENTIST FOR REGULAR CHECKUPS
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to check for early signs of oral health problems that you may not feel or see. They can then advise on treatment as well as show you how to keep your mouth healthy to prevent problems from arising.
FINALLY… SMILE MORE!
It’s contagious! Your smile is unique to you. Share it with family, friends and everyone around you. Enjoy the new year and make dental health a priority in 2015.
The oral health information is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult your dentist for any questions concerning your oral health.