Since the 1960s tooth decay has been in steady decline in America but on the rise in the UK; since 2014 the figures have risen by 3% with over 33,000 children under 10 undergoing tooth removals in Britain. However, though the USA figures are in decline there are still a large amount of adults living with tooth decay, in fact adults aged 20-64, 91% had dental caries and 27% have untreated tooth decay.
What is tooth decay?
Your teeth decay when bacteria in the mouth produce an acid that softens the enamel that protects your teeth. The biggest culprit that causes teeth to decay is sugar, because it speeds up the production the acid in the mouth. The modern diets we consume had more sugar than previous generations which can potentially lead to dangerous levels of acid in the mouth. Today we consume more sugar than ever before; 330ml can of regular Coca-Cola or Pepsi contains 35g – or almost nine teaspoons of sugar. With all this hidden sugar in our diets, it’s vital we do what we can to protect our mouths from producing extra acid that can cause such damage.
How else can it affect me?
Tooth decay can not only cause pain and sensitivity to the sufferer, but the cavities can cause low self-esteem that can be extremely damaging. Did you know that when you smile endorphins are released in the brain causing you to feel happy? Those who suffer discolouration may dread even the thought of smiling; hiding your beautiful smile should not be an option. Today studies show that teenagers and adults who suffer from tooth discoloration feel that because of this they are prevented them from freely answering questions, smiling and interacting with their peers.
Today we are bombarded with celebrity images in magazines, websites and social media. Those who suffer tooth decay may not smile freely in fear of being ridiculed. The media rich society we live in can be hard for people who suffer from perceived imperfections to feel confident. This affects women today especially:
- Each year, women write more than 5 million negative tweets
- Four out of every five negative beauty tweets from women were about themselves.
- Women are 50% more likely to say something negative, rather than positive, about themselves on social media.
How can I protect my teeth?
Luckily, there are plenty of easy to adopt measures you can begin today in order to work towards preventing dental caries and decay. Here are our top 5 ways to take care of your smile:
1. Replace your toothbrush
We are all probably guilty of not changing our toothbrush as often as we should, but many of us don’t realise that it should be changed before it gets worn away to a stub. When the bristles become misshapen they can no longer reach the areas of the mouth they have been specifically designed to reach. Experts say, ideally, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
2. Change your diet
As we have previously mentioned, sugar is one of the biggest causes of gum disease. Changing your diet to a reduced-sugar version will decrease your chance of decay. You should incorporate calcium rich foods such as cheese and milk which will help promote strong bones, hair as well as teeth. Chewy foods, such as meat and sticky sweets are famous for getting stuck between the teeth, if you consume these foods you should brush your teeth soon after to prevent bacteria growth.
3. Use mouthwash and floss
Did you know that 42% of us only use a toothbrush and toothpaste when brushing our teeth? Dental floss helps to prevent gum disease by getting rid of pieces of food and plaque from between your teeth. According to the NHS, it’s best to floss before brushing your teeth. Mouthwash provides an all-round deep clean for your teeth, gums and tongue. The last remains of plaque on the teeth are able to be washed away, and the liquid can flow easily between most teeth, giving an additional layer of cleaning.
4. Avoid home kit teeth whitening
If you have sparkly white teeth this does not mean that they stronger than yellow teeth. The older teeth become they undergo a structural change in dentine (bone-like tissue underneath surface tooth enamel) meaning a that there is a lower blood supply going to your teeth which may mean that they will appear more yellow.
Overuse of whitening pastes may also strip away the protective layers on top of your teeth, teeth whitening pastes often only remove stains than making your teeth brighter in general.
5. Visit your dentist often
Whether you are visiting to discuss worries about your oral care, or simply for your yearly check-up your dentist can help with multiple oral hygiene questions and concerns. Your dentist may ask to see you more often, depending on the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. Although the UK’s tooth decay seems to be on the rise, they are still one of the world’s best at visiting the dentist, with 72% of the population making regular scheduled appointments.
Your oral health is important, not just for the health of your teeth, but your overall wellbeing. Those who suffer decay may not feel they can smile freely and can suffer from low self-esteem due to this. By following these top tips you will be able to keep a healthy and happy mouth that you will be able to enjoy and smile brightly for years to come.
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring! Also, don’t forget to get your smile on! 🙂
Author: Berkeley Clinic
This article was written by Berkeley Clinic an award winning dental practice in Glasgow, Scotland. Their goal is to share their knowledge with patients so everyone can enjoy excellent oral health.
