Vrinda Saraswat
Dental Health and Gum Problems
When it comes to oral health, the primary concern that everyone should and must have is to prevent cavities. Caused by tooth decay, these small holes are like an entryway for the bacteria into the soft dentin of your tooth. This is why people often get tooth filling so they can close up the cavities in their mouth. However, leaving them unattended can be the cause for bigger problems as the bacteria will continue to eat away at your tooth.
When it comes to enamel repair, there are not many options to do so. In fact, while filling is an effective way to address enamel damage, chances are that they will also get damaged in the long run and will need replacement. The best way to address this condition is to alter your ways and promote the remineralisation of your enamel. It triggers the transfer of required nutrients and organisms from your mouth to your teeth, while also depositing minerals like calcium on your enamel.
It helps in addressing any irregularities that can result in cavities. To help you understand remineralisation and how to promote it with your daily habits, here are some tips that you must follow.
**How To Prevent Dental Cavities
****Oral Care Routine
The most important thing to consider when it comes to oral care is to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine. The root cause of all dental cavities is the food that gets left behind and is then eaten by the bacteria in your mouth, only to release acid as a by-product. This is the first line of defence against tooth decay.
Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D is an important part of our lives as it helps in the mineralisation process. Taking Vitamin D supplements can help you build your enamel in the most natural way.
Avoid Sugary Foods
The sugar in your food gets converted by the bacteria in your mouth into acid. This acid is the primary reason behind the enamel breaking down and letting the bacteria in to infect your dentin and pulp. Avoiding sugary food is the best way to prevent tooth decay and help in remineralisation.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient technique of removing plaque from the mouth. You take about a tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil in your mouth and swirl it around before spitting it out. It removes the bacteria from your mouth, acts as a natural mouthwash, and helps in remineralising your teeth. Make sure that you swish the oil for a couple of minutes for the best results.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum is a great way of taking out residual food from your mouth and give you a fresh breath, especially after meals. Make sure that you prefer sugar free gum for the best results.
Natural Mouth Rinse
While using a mouth rinse is important, but overusing store-bought mouthwash can actually also affect the essential bacterias in our mouths that are important for remineralisation. Go for a natural mouth rinse that has a pH level of 9 or more to balance the alkalinity of your mouth.
Avoid Over-Brushing
Too much of everything is bad, which is why brushing too much is also a factor in increasing the likelihood of getting cavities. Your mouth has a balanced environment, one that needs to be maintained for optimal saliva production. Overbrushing can disturb this balance while also not disturbing the mineral deposit on your teeth. Sticking to brushing twice a day for2 minutes each is the right amount. Also, avoid applying too much pressure as aggressive brushing can also damage your teeth, your gums, and cause teeth sensitivity.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is nature’s antibacterial medicine and you can buy it from the market in its natural form or in gel form as well. You need to apply the gel to your teeth and then wash it off. It can kill the bacteria in your mouth while the research also suggests that Aloe Vera can help with the remineralisation of the enamel as well.
Avoid Acidic Drinks
Acidic drinks including coffee, soda, tea, wine, and citrus juice can damage the upper enamel layer while also washing away any nutrients that are important for remineralisation.
Healthy Diet Choices
A rich and healthy diet is your ticket to healthy teeth as well. Make sure that you are eating food that is rich in:
Natural Probiotic-Rich Food
Probiotics are foods that are rich in healthy microorganisms. This includes natural yoghurt and fermented food.
Saliva Production
Your saliva is your natural protection from the acidity in your food and aids in the remineralisation of the teeth. Eat foods like these to boost saliva production in your mouth:
The best way to prevent cavities is to get your teeth checked for them regularly. Make sure that you are seeing your dentist at least twice a year because if the situation worsens, you may need a dental surgeon to help you get your teeth fixed.
Cavities are the most common dental issue in the current times, and they trouble almost all of us at least once in our lifetime. To avoid the worst of dental problems, start right now by preventing dental cavities in your mouth.
