What we often forget about oral care
A snow-white smile, healthy teeth and gums and fresh breath are not only signs of good oral health, but also of general health and vitality. Most people don't think about their oral health until they are in the dentist's chair, getting a drill & fill . Studies show that oral problems can be indicative of/or increase the likelihood of contracting disease, and often have common risk factors. Despite this, it’s easy to forget that dental health is such an important part of our life and well-being.
So what do we forget when taking care of the mouth?
A balanced diet is key to the healthy development of bodily cells, especially the growth of teeth and gums. Your food should contain adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and fluoride. A deficiency of at least one of the listed elements in the body can significantly affect the state of your health, especially during the first two years of an infant's growth, or during a woman's pregnancy. But it is calcium that is one of the most important components.
Good sources of calcium include milk and dairy products such as yogurts and cheeses. Milk is especially beneficial for remineralizing the surface of the teeth, and for this reason, dairy products play an important role both as part of the diet and for the development of teeth. Vegans can find a source of calcium in soy foods such as tofu, spinach, and other vegetables. If you’re unable to use these products, you can take special supplements that contain calcium.
Phosphorus, like calcium, ensures the normal growth of bones and teeth and maintains their integrity. In addition, it is involved in energy production and in virtually every chemical reaction that takes place in the body, along with affecting mental and muscular activity.
Magnesium is crucial because it regulates the correct absorption of calcium. A study in New Zealand found that tooth decay-resistant teeth contain, on average, twice as much magnesium as those prone to it. Magnesium and calcium work in tandem: adequate magnesium will keep calcium in your teeth, protecting them from cavities and decay. If there is not enough magnesium in the body, calcium passes from bones and teeth to organs and soft tissues, where it is deposited in the form of salts. If this occurs it can cause potentially painful and dangerous illnesses such as kidney stones.
And what about fluoride? While not essential, fluoride has a huge impact on dental health. In children, fluoride forms a special coating on the enamel of the teeth, which will prevent the development of cavities. And in adults, fluoride will help repair minor damage to the enamel. This element is useful for older people as well. Rinsing with fluoride fluids has a positive effect on the condition of the gums and prevents their inflammation. The use of fluoride in tap water can reduce the incidence of cavities by 65%. Statistics have shown that people with a healthy oral cavity live on average several years longer than those who have permanent dental problems.
We live in a time when the question "how to maintain dental health" has a conveniently simple answer: stick to a good diet and visit your dentist regularly. Of course, good hygiene and the quality of the oral care products you use also plays a significant role. It doesn't hurt to use more specialized dental care products than a regular toothbrush. For example, an electric toothbrush makes brushing your teeth much easier. We recommend PomaBrush, which comes with two different types of interchangeable heads: silicone for gentle cleaning and nylon for deep cleans. Take good care of your oral cavity to avoid health problems. High-quality care products and timely visits to the dental clinic will help to avoid serious problems.