Taking Care Of Your Teeth

Often times there is not a complete understanding how cavities are formed and how they can be prevented.

Let's take a moment and quickly discuss how a cavity is formed.

It all starts with a substance we call plaque. Plaque is sticky, invisible film that builds up on your teeth, between your teeth, on your gums, and under your gums. Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth and flossing and by your local dentist when you visit every 6 months.

If the plaque is left alone, it will combine with bacteria from the food you eat and beverages you drink and form an acid that eats away at your teeth. Eventually, this acid can ruin enough of the tooth to make the dreaded cavity!

Again the simplest way to prevent this is by brushing your teeth and flossing and by having your Green Valley dentist clean your teeth every 6 months.

This makes sure that both the plaque and the food buildup are removed regularly so that evil acid can form.

If you do but get a cavity and don't get it treated it can lead to an abscessed tooth.

For the average person, if you have an abscess, or infected, tooth, you will get in contact with your dentist immediately.

But some of you out there are a small more strong willed and take drugs to minimize the pain just do you don't have to go to the dentist.

Let me tell you now, if you do that, things may only get worse.

The infection in your tooth can lead to an infection in your gums call Gingivitis, which I am sure you have heard of.

But did you know that Gingivitis can lead to a worse infection called Periodontitis which is significantly worse.

If you get Periodontitis, your gums may separate from your teeth and your teeth may become loose or out of alignment.

Then, the infection may travel to the bone that supports your teeth and gradually that bone will start to dissolve.

Information on food that is good for your teeth. -

Water

This simple liquid is one of the best health sources for your mouth and overall body. Water helps in a myriad of ways to promote healthy teeth, washing away harmful bacteria and also reducing the level of acidity in your mouth.

Water also helps the rest of your body to function properly, aiding the immune system, digestive system, brain function and saliva production. This helps your body take care of its own teeth. Drinking lots of water is a great first step to promote healthy teeth.

Cheese

Cheese can help preserve and even rebuild tooth enamel with its high levels of calcium. It also kills harmful bacteria, which can cause gum decay and cavities, by producing saliva that washes out the mouth. In addition, this low-carbohydrate dairy product lists a high phosphate content. All of these benefits can help level out the mouth's pH balance, which can halt the growth of bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic can drastically reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, especially if you eat it raw. If you would rather not deal with the strong, pungent taste of raw garlic, adding it to your food will still help kill harmful bacteria. Remember to keep some peppermint chewing gum or mint tea handy to neutralize the negative effects on your breath.

Milk

Milk is known for its calcium benefits, which allows your teeth to stay strong and reduces the acidity in your mouth, thus preventing decay to your teeth. As an added bonus, vitamin D allows your body and bones (including teeth!) to absorb the calcium, so take a vitamin supplement or vitamin D-enriched milk or juice. You can also find vitamin D in fish and some cereals.
Celery

Celery and other crunchy vegetables encourage saliva production. A fresh flow of saliva in your mouth reduces oral bacteria and thus reduces cavities. Additionally, rough vegetables scrub your teeth and stimulate your gums, reducing plaque and periodontal problems.

Knowing that the state of your mouth is so linked to your overall health and well-being, it is all the more important to take care of your teeth. If your oral health is a low priority, you could also be putting your overall health at risk. What you eat and drink can directly benefit your body. If you want to promote healthy teeth, you may want to adjust your diet to include or increase items in these categories.