DENTAL
CARE
Teeth cleaning is
the removal of dental plaque and tartar from teeth in order to prevent cavities,
gingivitis, and gum disease. The last problem causes at least one-third of
adult tooth loss.Dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally at
least twice per year. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth
polishing, and, if too much tartar has built up, debridement. This is usually
followed by a fluoride treatment.Between cleanings by a dental hygienist,
good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes
the problems mentioned above. This is done by carefully and frequently brushing
with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss to prevent accumulation of plaque-producing
bacteria on the teethDental specialists recommend cleaning the tongue using
a tongue cleaner as part of ones's daily oral care routine, in order to remove
the bacterial coating that generates bad breath and may affect the health
of teeth and gums as well.
Beneficial Foods
Foods that help muscles and bones also help teeth and gums. Dairy contributes
vitamin D, strengthening teeth. Breads and cereals are rich in vitamin B while
fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, both of which contribute to healthy
gum tissue.(8) Lean meat, fish, and poultry provide magnesium and zinc for
teeth. Some people recommend that teeth be brushed after every meal and at
bedtime, and flossed at least once per day, preferably at night before sleep.
For some people, flossing might be recommended after every meal.
Detrimental Foods
Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates,
especially cooked starches, e.g. crisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth,
although to a much lesser degree. This is because starch is not an ideal food
for the bacteria. It has to be converted by enzymes in saliva first.Sucrose
(table sugar) is most commonly associated with cavities, although glucose
and maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities. The amount of sugar consumed
at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain
sugar are consumed. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the
time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which point demineralisation
occurs. It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption
of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to repair
themselves. Obviously, limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal
times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities.(1)
source
: wikipedia