Seeing your dentist in Lincoln for regular cleanings and checkups is vital for protecting your oral health. But consistent self-care is just as important. Brushing, flossing and avoiding harmful foods and products can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy for the rest of your life.
What Happens When You Fail to Brush and Floss
Did you know that there’s a war going on inside of you right now? As you read these words, your body is fighting a pitched battle against microscopic invaders intent on doing you harm. We’re talking about decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. Here’s why you should be concerned about these tiny invaders:
- They attach themselves to your teeth, secreting harmful acids which eat away at your teeth’s protective enamel. The bacteria’s goal is to expose the vulnerable dentin and pulp inside each tooth, causing further damage.
- Your body has built-in defenses against these threats, including the immune system and the re-mineralization process which keeps the enamel strong. But over time the bacteria can get the upper hand over these safeguards.
- You give the bacteria a helping hand when you eat foods high in sugars and starches. You see, the bacteria convert these foods into the raw fuel they need to continue their harmful work.
While there’s no permanent way to get rid of these malicious microorganisms, there are things you can do to keep them under control. These include:
- Regular brushing and flossing. When you brush, you scrub away the plaque that gives the bacteria a place to hide. Flossing removes plaque and food crumbs from between your teeth, giving you an added degree of protection.
- Making smart nutritional choices. Every meal you eat tips the balance of power in your mouth, either towards your teeth and gums or towards the bacteria. Healthy foods such as lean protein sources and fresh fruits and vegetables give your body what it needs to stay strong and healthy. On the other hand, sugary or starchy junk foods give aid and comfort to your enemy.
- Staying away from tobacco, illicit drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Each of these products can erode your teeth and inflame your gums, making them more vulnerable to infection.
- Safeguarding your teeth from trauma. Biting down on hard substances, playing contact sports without a mouthguard or grinding your teeth can fracture their internal structure or chip away at their protective enamel.
Why You Should Still See Your Dentist
There is no doubt that self-care is the foundation of good lifelong dental health. But taking the steps outlined above will never remove all of the plaque and tartar that promote cavities and other problems. Only a dental professional has the prescription-grade products and professional expertise needed to do the job completely.
Brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, protecting your teeth from trauma, avoiding harmful substances and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups will take up very little of your time. Yet the benefits they provide can lay the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health. The effort you put forth today will benefit you for a long, long time to come.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a graduate of Dawson Academy for Advanced Dentistry and an award-winning dental instructor. He’s a member of several prestigious professional organizations. You can reach his office online or by calling (402) 488-2325.