Prevent Tooth Decay
The American Dental Association suggests that up to 29% of adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay.
It is also estimated that around half of adults in the United States only clean their teeth at night. Since tooth decay builds up during both day and the night, it is important to practice good dental hygiene throughout the day. This article outlines a number of practical wa
ys in which you can improve dental health during the daytime.
Floss Daily to Improve Dental Health
With a mere 50% of adults in the United States reporting daily flossing, it is clear that negligence toward dental hygiene is widespread. The American Dental Association has even estimated that 18.5% of Americans fail to floss at all, a statistic which also highlights the lack of education about this important issue.
Although most people consider flossing to be a bedtime ritual, it can also be beneficial to dental health during the daytime. Flossing can reduce plaque-causing debris from between the teeth and also help to remove other sources of bacteria. Items such as pineapple and mango are particularly prone to leaving fibers between teeth and so you should always floss after eating. Therefore, you should always try to floss after lunch and within one hour of eating fruit and vegetables. Keep some dental floss in your desk drawer for convenience.
Improve Your Lifestyle to Improve Dental Health
By making improvements in your lifestyle it is also possible to improve your daytime dental health. A recent study by the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that smoking can cause long term jaw bone loss and tooth loss. If you smoke, try to quit.
By cutting out the cigarettes from your day you are taking a positive step towards better dental health. In addition, try to reduce the amount of processed foods you eat to improve your dental heath. Since they contain a larger than average amount of sugars and preservatives, processed foods cause bacteria which in turn can lead to diseases such as gingivitis. In order to reduce the amount of processed foods you eat you can consider keeping a food log.
This will track exactly what you eat every day. Review the log once a week to identify which processed items you can cut out or replace. For instance, you could replace your afternoon chocolate bar with a whole grain nut bar or trail mix. Although it might take some time, it is possible to form good habits. Be patient for results and introduce these changes gradually.
Dental Health Day and Night
By following these simple steps it is possible to transform your den health and establish good habits that will serve you for a lifetime. In addition to improved overall health, this can reduce the number of cavities, delay the onset of plaque build-up and even prevent conditions such as oral cancer. You can go about your day safe in the knowledge that your teeth are practicing good oral hygiene and that your oral health is as good as it can possibly be.
