Practicing good dental health habits is essential to maintain the health of your teeth and mouth. This includes taking care of your teeth and gums, preventing tooth decay, and treating serious dental conditions. In addition, the practice of oral hygiene prevents the development of oral diseases, such as bad breath.
Preventing tooth decay
Having a regular oral exam with your dentist can help prevent tooth decay. Depending on the stage of decay, your dentist may perform a routine teeth cleaning or provide you with information about oral care and lifestyle changes.
Tooth decay is a disease that occurs when bacteria in dental plaque turn sugar in food and drink into acids. This acid destroys the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, and the inner layer, called dentin.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can prevent tooth decay. It can be found in some toothpastes and water. Fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to acids.
If your child has teeth, it’s important to have them checked by a dentist at least once a year. Your dentist can perform a routine dental cleaning and remove any plaque that may be causing tooth decay. They can also give you advice on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Treating serious dental conditions
Having a great dental health routine is an important part of maintaining good health. However, there are a number of conditions which can wreak havoc on your dental health. These include cavities, gum disease and dental abscesses to name a few. These conditions are best prevented and treated by utilizing preventive techniques. Aside from regular checkups and dental hygienist visits, a healthy diet and good habits are also important.
A dental hygienist can identify cavities by taking x-rays and examining your teeth. Fluoride treatment is also an effective way to combat tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of your teeth and also makes them more resistant to acids.
Other nifty dental items include dental sealants, which can prevent 80% of cavities in children. Another is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescribed for a variety of gum infections, which are a common dental affliction.
The CDC reports that nine out of ten adults have tooth decay. This is not a fun situation.
Signs of pregnancy-related oral health problems
During pregnancy, women are at increased risk for certain oral health problems. These problems may cause further issues for the mother or the baby. They are not to be ignored. It is important to learn the signs of pregnancy-related oral health problems so that you can take steps to prevent them.
Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral disease during pregnancy. Women may experience symptoms such as gum swelling and bleeding. These problems should be checked by a dentist. Some women may also develop deeper gum disease that requires treatment.
Pregnancy hormones can also cause acidic saliva, which can harm the enamel of the teeth. If you are experiencing these symptoms, rinse your mouth with plain water or an antacid to neutralize the acid.
Some women may not brush their teeth as often as they did before pregnancy. These women should brush twice a day, and floss once a day. Also, they should consider taking daily multivitamins that contain iron and folic acid. These vitamins are important for a baby’s growth.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
ADA Seal of Acceptance for dental health is a mark of safety and effectiveness on oral care products. It is provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the oldest dental organization in the world. It provides consumers with the assurance that a product will give them the intended results and meet professional standards.
The ADA Seal of Acceptance for dental health can be found on more than 200 nonprescription dental products. These products include toothpaste, floss/interdental cleaners, denture products, and tooth whitening bleaches.
The Seal of Acceptance is awarded for five years. The products have been thoroughly tested to meet the ADA’s requirements for safety and efficacy. During the five-year period, the ADA will request additional testing to evaluate changes to the product that may affect safety or efficacy.
The ADA has a team of experts in pharmacology, chemists, microbiologists, and toxicologists to evaluate the dental products that are submitted. The experts review the product’s safety, efficacy, and labeling