There are many ways in which your oral health has an impact on your overall general health. There are naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth. Some of those bacteria, including strep and staph, are harmful, while other bacteria are essential for the balance of intestinal flora. The healthier your mouth is, the less likely it is the harmful bacteria will travel to other parts of your body to infect it and make you sick. There is much more to good dental hygiene than brushing and flossing.(oilless air compressor)

Historical Methods of Maintaining Oral Health

Ancient civilizations relied on natural remedies for maintaining oral health. Around 250 AD, the Kemetic Egyptians used myrrh and other herbs as antiseptics for treating infected gums. Two centuries later, the Nubians, who lived in the Nile River valley, drank beer to ease the pain of infected teeth. That probably sounds crazy, but their beer was effective because they used grains that were contaminated with the same bacteria that produce the antibiotic tetracycline.

Today’s Biggest Dental Hygiene Challenge

In the past, tooth decay was more of an issue because there was no routine dental care, and problems that are routinely treated today went untreated. Thanks to fluoridated water, and toothpastes containing fluoride, tooth decay is far less problematic than it was a century or more ago. Gum disease has replaced tooth decay as the most serious dental problem facing people today. According to the American Dental Association, a staggering 80 percent of Americans over age 65 suffer from some form of periodontal disease.

Ironically, if that infection attacked any other part of your body, especially in a place where it was clearly visible, you would head to your doctor for treatment immediately. People tend to ignore gum tenderness and bleeding. When the tenderness and bleeding aren’t treated, the inflammation can turn into periodontitis. The longer you allow the inflammation to go untreated, the greater the likelihood that it will affect other body parts. Make sure to visit Dr. Chris Proctor and Dr. Richard Gore at Southwest Dental Care regularly to be proactive about dental health!

Researchers are now discovering that untreated inflammation in the mouth acts as a driving force for multiple chronic illnesses, including clogged arteries, heart attacks, arthritis, and even cancer. That inflammation is one of many hypotheses that may explain how chronic infections can trigger systemic diseases, and even intensify existing ones. Bacterial overgrowth in the inflamed gum tissue can enter the bloodstream through the food you eat, and from daily brushing.(Air Scaler)

Seeing the first few teeth growing in your toddler’s mouth are an exciting time for a parent. Your toddler is growing, and soon by the age of three years, your toddler will have a full set of baby (primary) teeth.(dental air compressor)

Did you know that the maintenance of primary teeth is important for the future development of your toddler? Several evidence-based studies support that positive and preventative dental exposure will not only benefit your child’s future dental health, but also their general health.

There are many easy ways to ensure that your toddler’s teeth are strong and will resist decay both now and in the future.

Brushing & Flossing

“Make sure all the plaque has been brushed to avoid acids eating away at the teeth” – Dr James Lucas

Brush your child’s teeth every day twice a day. Your toddler will not have developed his or her fine motor skills yet, so it is important that you help them properly and thoroughly brushes your toddler’s teeth. While brushing can be a daily battle and sometimes the tears can be a bit discouraging, know you are doing the right thing – so be persistent! Keep it up mum and dad!

Use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste and a soft-bristled, children’s brush, then brush in small, circular movements. If you let your child brush their own teeth, make sure to finish up the job for them. Furthermore, if you can, floss between your toddler’s teeth to ensure cavities do not form between teeth.

Eating

“Limit sticky and sugary foods!” – Dr Caroline Howarth

Sugary, sticky and acidic foods should be avoided or limited between meals to ensure they do not cause harm to your toddler’s teeth. When your child eats or drinks sugary foods, the bacteria in their mouth mix with the sugars to make a mild acid. The acid attacks the hard layer of the teeth and over time can cause decay. If your toddler has lots of sugary snacks, you are continually topping up the levels of acid in his mouth, increasing the risk of a cavity.(Dental Implant Machine)

Prevention

“Don’t forget to Toothmousse, use a fluoride containing toothpaste and have a balanced diet” – Dr Amy Fung

Prevention is better than cure, so maximising all the protecting and preventative factors in your toddler’s lifestyle are important. Use an appropriate fluoride containing toothpaste recommended by your dental health care provider. Additionally, if your child is suitable to use remineralising products such as Toothmousse, application is highly beneficial. Toothmousse is a topical agent that prevents demineralisation.

Additionally, ensure your toddler regularly drinks tap water, and consumes enough calcium, vitamins and probiotics. These will include milk, cheese and yoghurts, as well as green leafy vegetables and fruit for a balanced diet.

Dental Visits

“Visit the dentist regularly to make sure your child’s teeth stay healthy” – Dr Narisha Chawia

Have your child visit the dental clinic regularly to ensure their teeth stay in good health. Prior to their first dental visit, it’s a good idea to let your child watch you in the dental chair before the appointment so that your child will have a better understanding on what to expect. Regular appointments should be discussed and agreed upon with your dentist to ensure they are scheduled at the most appropriate intervals for your child and their age. With regular dental visits small problems are identified and treated.