Your teeth are important, and so is keeping them healthy. You have control over whether your teeth will degrade over time. Preventing decay takes maintenance, including good oral hygiene. Certain products and supplements can bolster tooth health.
Why You Should Take Care of Your Teeth
Taking care of one's teeth is something that we all hear about over the course of our lives, but not all of us pay heed. A key component to this is knowing that an individual can be liable to develop cavities or gum disease at any age, even well over 60.
Cavities and gum disease are two leading oral issues that can result from poor dental hygiene.
Simultaneously, cavities and gum disease can be prevented by good oral hygiene and the
prevention of plaque build-up. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash are
all effective at preventing these issues, hence it's why they're so commonly recommended.
If you
don't take care of your teeth over time, cavities and gum disease can form in later age. Worse effects, such as tooth loss, can occur in individuals who take poor care of their teeth, such as when gum disease develops and worsens into
periodontal disease. When gum disease is not treated, tooth extraction might be necessary for treatment.
Simple Tips and Remedies for Ensuring Healthy Teeth
Some of these recommendations are simple and intuitive, designed to ensure good dental hygiene. Others are basic, worthwhile products that can contribute to healthy teeth over time.
Drink water often to prevent
dry mouth. This advice is particularly important for those over the age of 60 who might experience dry mouth naturally or as a side effect of medication. When you're hydrated and your mouth has enough moisture, cavities are less likely to occur.
An oral rinse can be an effective and easy component to ensuring dental hygiene. Oral rinses are commonly used to treat (and prevent)
gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. An oral rinse can also help prevent dry mouth, remineralize the teeth, and help teeth stay white. Note: Most oral rinses contain alcohol.
Calcium is absolutely necessary, and not just for your bones and teeth, but for your entire body. When a person's body is
calcium-deficient, then the body is going to use the calcium it does receive, rather than allowing it to strengthen cells in the bones and teeth. Therefore, getting enough calcium is extremely important for your teeth
and your body! The necessity of calcium is supported by scientific evidence showing that those getting less than 500mg calcium per day (1,000-2,000mg is recommended) were twice as likely to have periodontal disease.
Vitamin D, next to calcium, is the second-most important substance to get enough of to promote healthy teeth. Vitamin D is instrumental in promoting absorption of
calcium in the body, and it regulates the balance of calcium and phosphorus, which also work together. Vitamin D can also help reduce gum inflammation in those with gum disease.
Taking care of your teeth isn't difficult. Simple hygiene habits will make all the difference, in a positive way, long term. The right products and vitamins are hugely beneficial in keeping teeth strong, period. Keep these in mind as you evaluate how you will best take care of your teeth.
