As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
Periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease) can result in oral inflammation, bleeding and, eventually, tooth loss. If you're concerned about the possibility of developing this condition, here are two steps you can take to prevent this from happening.
Floss correctly and consistently
Whilst the vast majority of people make sure to brush their teeth twice daily, few are as fastidious about flossing; this is an oral hygiene habit which many people view as optional. However, the frequency and care with which you floss can have a huge impact on your oral health. Gum infections always begin in the area where the teeth and gum line meet. Whilst a brush can remove plaque from the main surfaces of a tooth, it cannot reach plaque which is located in between teeth or just below the gum line; only floss can do this.
It's important not only to floss regularly but also to use the right technique. Pull a length of floss from the dispenser (enough to allow you to securely wind a few inches around the middle fingers of your hands). Then use your index finger and thumb to guide a two-inch section of floss in between your teeth, using a back-and-forth motion to capture food particles and plaque, before gently scraping the floss away from the tooth.
Make sure to push the floss gently below the gum line too, to remove any food particles that might be stuck there. Curving the floss into a C-shape and pressing it against the edges of your teeth can make this a little easier. Always use clean sections of floss for each tooth. If you're unsure about your technique, visit your dental clinic and ask them to give you a demonstration of how to floss correctly.
Manage your stress levels
You may already be aware that there is a direct correlation between poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease. However, you may not realise that there are a number of other factors which can also increase your risk of contracting this disease. If you are chronically stressed for example, perhaps because of a high-pressure job situation or a difficult, long-term personal problem, this can trigger an inflammatory response in your body. Inflammation can reduce your immune system's ability to fight off infections, which in turn, can increase the likelihood of you developing gum disease.
Stress can also be an indirect cause of gum disease. When you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, you're more likely to neglect your oral hygiene routine and behave in ways which can cause oral health issues; for example, you might postpone routine dental check-ups, eat 'comfort' foods (which usually consist of plaque-forming sugary and starchy meals) and smoke cigarettes to try and cope with the distressing emotions you are experiencing.
As such, you can improve the condition of your gums and avoid oral diseases by adopting healthier methods of stress management. There are lots of ways to do this; you can increase your physical activity levels, take up meditation, socialise more frequently and get more sleep.
Share19 December 2016
