Oral health problems are becoming increasingly common in the 21st Century. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has published some frightening statistics on tooth decay. According to their data, 91% of all adults had some dental caries in 2012. Since dental problems are becoming more common, it is important for Americans to practice better oral hygiene and health. This means that they are going to need to do a better job brushing and follow a better diet.
Making Oral Health a Top Priority in 2019
With only one set of adult teeth, it’s important to know how best to protect them against everyday use. Our teeth are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of our anatomy. With that said, it’s crucial to take care of them. From acid erosion, to bad habits such as smoking, there are lots of ways in which damage to teeth can occur and also numerous ways in which you can prevent it from happening too.
- Be Sure To Brush Twice A Day
Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day can drastically reduce the likeliness of cavities from occurring. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is the best way to go, as it won’t be abrasive against the layer of enamel which acts as natural protection against the foods that you consume. Using fluoride toothpaste ensures that bacteria is removed from teeth, and washes out the particles that eat away at the enamel. You need to take this advice seriously. A study by Colgate found that around 30% of Americans aren’t brushing enough. If you are one of them, then you could experience severe tooth problems.
- Be Careful Not To Overbrush
While regular brushing is encouraged, it’s also sensible to not over-brush teeth. If brushing causes any bleeding or irritation, this is generally a tell-tale sign that too much action is happening. Brushing excessively can wear down enamel and lead to sensitivity which can cause significant dental issues in the future to arise. When enamel is worn away, dentin is exposed which has tiny holes leading to our nerve endings.
- Don’t Miss Out The Floss
Flossing is as important as brushing. Helping to loosen particles trapped in between teeth, it’s an effective method of removing plaque and keeping teeth squeaky clean all-round. Without flossing, teeth can be at risk of plaque build-up which may lead to tartar forming which only a dentist routine can expertly remove. Avoid this from happening with a simple step added into an oral hygiene daily schedule. You might be shocked to hear how many Americans don’t take flossing seriously enough. An estimated 37% say that they floss less than once a day. Around a third of Americans never floss at all. This is a leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease, especially in adults over the age of 30.
- Cut Down On Sugar
Sugar is not great for anybody’s teeth and sugary drinks, such as soda, can cause considerable underlying damage. The acidic ingredients found in many soda drinks attack teeth and break away enamel. After it’s made its way through this natural protective layer, it will sit on teeth causing cavities to occur. Limit such drinks and stay away from too much sugar in your diet in general. Sadly, far too many people consume too much sugar. One survey found that 82% of Americans ate more than the recommended daily sugar limit. You could significantly reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease by drastically cutting down on your sugar intake.
- Wear Mouth Guards During Sports Activities
Nobody wants to be in a position where they have to pay for full-mouth reconstructive dentistry. Therefore it’s always a wise move to wear dental mouthguards when participating in sport activities that can result in accidents – think hockey, rugby, and soccer. All of these sports can cause damage to teeth without a mouthguard in place. There are many ways to protect teeth from damage as seen above. It’s also important to ensure that regular dentist checkups are made to assess whether any cavities are present. As the number one dental issue, more often than not, they can be disastrous for oral health.
Make Oral Health a Top Priority
Oral health is a major concern for countless Americans. Unfortunately, most people make a number of mistakes that lead to oral health problems. Keep on top of dental care to ensure teeth are fully protected!