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Often we ponder over the possible ways of getting a healthy
smile displaying sparkling white healthy teeth. The eyes are
often considered to be the windows to the soul. On similar lines
the teeth can also be regarded as the doors to the soul. So, a
lot of care needs to be taken to ensure a healthy smile and
insure healthy teeth.
Since historical times man has learned the importance of taking
care of teeth. Some Sumerian tablets dating back to the period
of 5,000 B.C. provide evidence that the ancient people took lot
of care for their dental health. They even used toothbrushes
prepared from tree branches.
Importance of getting healthy teeth
Apart from the cosmetic value of possessing shining white teeth
there is also the more important functional utilities of teeth -
chewing, grinding and tearing food to facilitate eating. Dental
health and oral well being also serves as a parameter of
internal health. A person having diseases like diabetes may also
have unhealthy teeth.
Hurdles in the way of a healthy smile
Inadequate care towards upkeep of dental hygiene may result in a
number of problems related to your tooth. These can take your
healthy smile away. Some such tooth problems are tooth decay,
tooth injuries and toothaches. Tooth decay is mainly caused by
sugar and plaque. These are also causative factors for gum
disease. Plaque is the build-up of debris and bacteria on the
teeth. Tooth injuries may include chipped tooth or lost tooth.
Toothaches may be due to a number of reasons. The main reason is
formation of tooth cavities.
Ways to overcome the hurdles and get a healthy smile
Brushing the teeth properly using small circular motion twice a
day helps get rid of sugar and plaque formation. Brushing
similarly after meals is also beneficial. Rinsing the mouth also
helps. Otherwise chewing an apple or sugarless gum also helps
cleanse the teeth. The plaque formed between teeth and below
gums may be effectively removed by flossing before going to bed.
Toothpastes having fluoride is preferable. This is assimilated
into the teeth thereby enabling them to become more strong and
resistant to decay. It also kills bacteria. It is advisable to
change the toothbrushes after every 3-4 months since the edges
get frayed.
Sugary and gummy substances like raisins should be consumed with
meals and soon after good rinsing of the mouth is required.
These feed bacteria in mouth and encourage tooth decay.
An effort can be made to re-implant lost tooth if it is brought
to the dentist within an hour or so placed in glass of milk or
saliva. Chipped tooth can be repaired by cosmetic bonding
agents. These cosmetic agents need to match the rest of the
teeth.
Toothaches cannot just be ignored and for this you need to avoid
cold and chewy foods. A dentist should be consulted for advice.
Recurrent toothaches are a cause of concern and the reason for
the problem needs to be ascertained and attended to in time.
Steps to take to maintain a healthy smile
Visiting a doctor twice every year is required for looking after
your dental and oral health. Brushing twice everyday for 2-3
minutes in gradual circular movements helps maintain the health
of teeth. Flossing at bedtime daily and rinsing the mouth
properly after meals and even brushing if possible promotes
hygiene of teeth and mouth. If there are sores or growths in
your mouth which are not healing up within two weeks then a
dentist's help is to be sought. You need to approach a dentist
and carry out necessary diagnosis if there is a persistent pain
in teeth and gums or jaws. Following these with dedication can
go a long way to maintain your healthy smile for a long, long
time.
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