Bad oral hygiene is only a piece of the equation when it comes to tooth loss. Bad habits all around can lead to dental problems, such as tooth decay. Bad habits lead to a cavity, and a cavity leads to tooth decay. To solve this problem, your family dentist in Columbus, Tyler Myers, provides some important dental advice.Bad Oral Hygiene
It may not seem like a big deal now, but bad oral hygiene puts you at risk for tooth decay in the future. Once bacteria metabolize food particles and produce acid, tooth enamel can break down. With excessive exposure to acid, little caries can develop on the teeth. Bacteria can then spread through the inner tooth. You need to brush and floss on a daily basis to remove food particles and plaque bacteria. Follow these tips for better oral health.
- Brush teeth after every meal (wait at least 30 minutes before brushing)
- Floss at least once a day
- Use mouthwash and fluoridated dental products
Unhealthy Diet
We all want to eat what we want without dealing with the consequences, but that isn’t the case. You need to eat a balanced diet to improve overall health. To strengthen teeth and gums, you need to dress your plate with key food groups.
- Vegetables – leafy, greens, carrots and celery are natural sources of vitamin A, which is essential for promoting strong and healthy teeth.
- Lean meat and poultry – you can get the right amount of magnesium and zinc for healthy teeth and gums.
- Dairy – products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are known to neutralize cavity-causing acid. Plus, calcium is good for your bones, teeth and jawbone.
As long as you eat well and have good oral hygiene practices, your oral health will improve and you lessen your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease.
Bad Oral Hygiene + Unhealthy Diet = Tooth Loss
If you couple bad oral hygiene with an unhealthy diet, it can lead to tooth decay. Severe tooth decay can cause the pulp to become infected, and a severe infection may call for an extraction. Or the tooth can naturally fall out. To replace a single tooth, a dental implant in Columbus may be your best option. It stimulates the jawbone and permanently stays in place. You don’t want to leave a space open for too long.
If you have questions regarding a dental concern, call our office to schedule an appointment with our Columbus family dentist. We look forward to hearing from you.