The average mouth is home to around 20 billion oral microbes. It should come as no surprise then, that your teeth have a difficult task ahead of them. Having white healthy teeth isn’t just important from an aesthetic point of view. With their own blood supplies, an infected tooth can be just as serious as an infected limb. Failing to practice proper oral hygiene increases the risk of infection which in turn can lead to Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. It occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. At its most sever the inflammation can lead to organ failure and increase risk of something as serious as cardiac arrest.
Symptoms Include
· Chills
· Fever
· Rapid breathing
· Confusion or a change in mental state
· Red spots on the skin.
The good news
All problems which result from poor oral hygiene are easily preventable and sepsis is no exception. Advancing dental science is challenging our preconceptions about our own teeth. There is increasing evidence that if proper steps are taken, all dental problems are preventable. This fact is at odds with the notion imbedded in our culture that as people age, their teeth rot and fall out. This is widely considered a natural process similar to weakening eye sight and deafening ears. Teeth however are perfectly capable of remaining intact the complete duration of a life and it is only through neglect that they will ever cause or have problems.
What can you do?
Get in to see a dentist
It is recommended a patient see a dentist once every six month for preventative care. A check-up and a clean today can save a lot of trouble tomorrow.
Brush twice a day
Consult a dentist on proper brushing technique and don’t neglect the gums. Gums are a breeding ground for bacteria and brushing them is just as important as brushing teeth.
Mouth wash
Using an antiseptic mouth wash at least once a day can eliminate the harmful bacteria which cause gum disease. Mouth wash is also beneficial to tooth enamel and is another opportunity to clean a mouth without over brushing.
Floss
Flossing can clean the gaps between teeth and reach plaque build ups toothbrushes alone can’t. Left unchecked plaque is a major cause of cavities and damages enamel. It will also harden into tartar if not removed daily. Flossing further eliminates these risk and is a recommended addition to a well-structured dental routine.
Change toothbrushes regularly.
The ADA suggests getting a new brush once every 3 or 4 months. When the bristles lose their flexibility and start to break apart, this is an indicator that the brush is past it’s used by date and it is recommended it be replaced.
Store toothbrush in a hygienic location.
Storing a toothbrush in the bathroom, while practical, isn’t the most sanitary of practices. In a bathroom hair is brushed and bodies are washed. It is recommended that patients consider relocating their toothbrushes, cupboards are a good start and stands are useful as having the bristles touching a surface is a big no.
Enamel is sacred
Make sure when brushing not to overdo it. Brushing more than three times a day could be wearing down the enamel and detrimental to the gums. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is also one of the most valuable. It doesn’t contain blood vessels or nerves and for good reason. The properties are not shared by the tooth underneath; with blood vessels prone to infection and nerves to cause those unpleasant tooth aches, its little wonder that it plays such an important role protecting the vulnerable tooth beneath.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks
The high mineral concentration which makes the enamel the hardest substance in the human body is also what makes it so prone to decay. The ingestion of acidic foods and drinks are the most common reason for demineralisation. Sugars found in candies soft drink and fruit juices are fermentable carbohydrates, which means they are converted to acidic enamel destroying terrors inside a mouth.
Fluoride
Fluoride is an important mineral held in high regard by the dental community. Its ability to strengthen tooth enamel has secured it as an ingredient in almost all toothpastes and its common practice to fluoridate drinking water. According to the American Dental Association, more than 144 million U.S. residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated water. For healthier teeth use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
Further inquiries
If you have further question or are concerned about the wellbeing of your mouth come see us at 438 Williamson road Suit D Mooresville. We are professionals, not only dedicated to helping our patients, but also committed to drawing public attention to the importance of preventive dental care. Your health and wellbeing is as important to us as it is to you.