April 4th, 2011
Keeping your teeth healthy and clean involves not just brushing, flossing and regular trips to the dental surgery. You also need to consider what your diet consists of. This is hardly surprising given that food goes into the body through your mouth and has to be chewed by your teeth to aid the process of digestion. Making the wrong choices can mean that you might be affected by a dental hygiene problem but making the right decisions will lead to a life time of good oral health.
The main thing to consider is that food and drink causes plaque to be formed in the mouth. Plaque is what needs to be removed by brushing and flossing because it decays teeth and inflames gums. Some foods lead to more plaque being formed than others. Right from a young age we are told that sugary foods are bad for our teeth because they make them decay. This is true because they produce the most amount of plaque.
Starchy foods too produce high levels of plaque and there are some quiet unexpected culprits when it comes to the plaque stakes. Fruit should not be avoided because it is largely very healthy for you and provides valuable vitamins. But it does produce a lot of plaque too so think carefully about when you are eating your fruit and consider giving your teeth a brush afterwards or at least chewing gum so that saliva is produced.
Your City of London dentist will have spent many years studying which foods are good and bad for your oral hygiene so don’t hesitate to ask them if you have any queries.
February 8th, 2011
Having a healthy set of teeth allows you to talk, eat, drink and even smile with ease and it is something that it is all too easy to just take for granted. But although your mouth has natural defences like saliva and enamel, they still need a little maintenance to stay healthy. Read on for handy advice about how to improve the health of your teeth.
Every time you eat or drink the substances you consume leave plaque on your teeth. This sticky substance attacks the enamel and can lead to cavities forming and tooth decay. The best way to take care of your teeth is to ensure that this plaque is removed. Regular brushing should take care of most of it.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, usually in the morning and the evening. Because sugary and starchy foods create most plaque it is advisable to also brush after snacking and meals too if you feel it necessary. Eating cheese after a sugary dessert can help remove plaque too.
Brushing should always be followed by flossing. This should be done to remove plaque from between the teeth where it can cause damage just as easily as when it is on the front or rear of the teeth. Be careful though to brush and floss without excess vigour as this can damage enamel and gums.
Keeping up routine of visiting the dentist every six months is also crucial in ensuring your teeth are kept healthy. Dentists are trained professionals, expert in every facet of your mouth and by seeing him or her at regular intervals, any problems can be dealt with before your oral health is seriously affected. Talk to your West London dentist for more tips to keep your teeth healthy.
February 1st, 2011
Keeping your teeth healthy and free from decay is important at all ages but for babies who are just developing their first set of teeth, it is especially vital. You should establish a relationship with a dentist from the earliest days of your baby’s life so that their mouth can be monitored properly. Dental experts advise that a leading cause of dental problems in babies is a condition called baby bottle tooth decay.
If your baby’s teeth are in prolonged contact with any substance apart from water then there is a danger of decay occurring. This is because human’s first teeth are incredibly fragile while the enamel is developing.
The best way to stop your baby from experiencing baby bottle tooth decay is to not allow him or her to have a bottle of milk or formula for too long. They should just be drinking it while they are thirsty but not sucking on it for a long period of time.
You should not leave a bottle in bed with your baby because they will tend to reach for it and suck on it in the night. Some experts even suggest that bottles should only be given to babies at meal times. In any event, try to get your infant to drink from a ‘tipping cup’ as soon as they are able. This reduces the risk of liquids having prolonged contact with the developing baby teeth.
You should clean your baby’s teeth once there are able seven or eight teeth in the mouth but be sure to use a soft bristled brush so that damage is not sustained. By the age of two your child ought to be brushing their own teeth twice a day and using fluoride tooth paste if you can be sure that they won’t swallow it. Talk to your Central London dentist for more advice.
March 8th, 2010
As a parent, looking after your child’s teeth is very important. Teeth can be very fragile in the developing years so it is crucial you give your child the best start for a life of healthy teeth. Developing good strong teeth and good oral hygiene habits early on can be fundamental to a life of avoiding unpleasant dental treatment.
City of London dentist have several key rules for parents to follow to best help their child develop healthy teeth. Firstly, it is vital to teach your children good habits early on. Start by helping your child to clean their teeth or do it for them if they are too young. Once they are old enough to start cleaning by themselves, make sure they are doing it thoroughly but avoid being pushy or making it seem like a chore. If your child is reluctant, turn it into a game or reward them for doing it well. It is also important to teach your child the importance of flossing, as this too is crucial to oral hygiene in their future.
Make sure your child is eating as healthily as possible as this can have an impact on how healthy their teeth are and eating the right kind of food can protect their teeth from decay and disease. Avoid giving them food or drink that is high in sugar and try to encourage them to eat fruit and vegetables as often as possible and drink water.
Perhaps most importantly, however, is the need to take your child to the dentist regularly. City of London dentists recommend that children visit the dentist at east every six-months depending on their teeth. This can help to prevent any infection and ensure that child’s teeth are developing correctly. Dentists will also be able to give parents advice about how best to look after children’s teeth.
