Female Focus
Page 17
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You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Their sparkling smiles. Being able to chew for good nutrition. Avoiding toothaches and discomfort. And new research suggests that gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including increased
10 steps to a healthy mouth
risk of heart disease. Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age. Here’s how: 1. Start children early. Despite great strides in decay prevention, one in four young children develop signs of tooth decay before they start school. Dental care should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, usually around six months. 2. Seal off trouble. Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. 3. Use enough - but not too much - fluoride. The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Fluoride should be used sparingly in young children - no more than a pea- sized dab on the toothbrush. Too much can cause white spots on teeth. 4. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Gum disease and tooth decay remain big problems - and not just for older people. Three-fourths of teenagers have gums that bleed. Along with the basic advice, remember: - Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year. - Teenagers with braces may need to use special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools to brush their teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist. - Older people with arthritis or other problems may have trouble holding a toothbrush or using floss. Some people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush. 5. Rinse or chew gum after meals. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid. 6. Block blows to teeth. Sports and recreational activities build healthy bodies, but they can pose a threat to teeth. Most school teams now require children to wear mouth guards. Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth guard. 7. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer 8. Eat smart. At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods. 9. Avoid sugary foods. When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel. Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, pose a special threat because people tend to sip them, raising acid levels over a long period of time. 10. Make an appointment. Most experts recommend a dental check-up every 6 months - more often if you have problems like gum disease. During a routine exam, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque build-up that you can’t brush or floss away and look for signs of decay. For more information visit
www.zensmilespa.es or call for an appointment on 965 793 810.
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