Smile! What's Behind Yours?

There is nothing like a warm smile upon meeting someone new. It raises spirits all around - the one giving the smile as well as the one receiving it. But to keep it looking good and something to smile about, dental hygiene and care play a crucial role.

Thanks to modern dentistry, we are a far cry from the days of George Washington and his swollen cheeks from bad teeth.  In fact, Washington's teeth reportedly began to fall out when he was a young man and by the time he finished his presidency, he had only one tooth left!  It may be fun to fantasize about living in a past era - the clothes, the customs, the historical significance - but that lack of dental know-how and, er . . . toothless smiles? No fantasy about that!

Keeping a Dental Routine (and Keeping our Teeth)

In pursuit of keeping our teeth, our daily habits can really add up to more care-free dental checkups and a lot less drilling. Create a daily routine that includes at least brushing twice a day (after every meal even better) and flossing at least once. Other suggestions to keep that smile bright and filling-free include the following:

• Toss the tobacco. Smoking and other tobacco habits turn your teeth yellow and harm your body in a number of ways: throat, lung, and mouth cancer for one and tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth. That film attracts bacteria that promotes acid production that can cause gum inflammation and tooth decay.

• Swish with water after the wine, tea and coffee.  Regular consumption can harm tooth enamel. The acidity can dissolve the tooth structure and increase dental staining. Taking small sips and rinsing with water when you're done drinking is a good habit to form.

• Baby on the way? Pay extra attention to your teeth and gums as some studies show a link between untreated gum disease and low-birth-weight babies. Further, changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause inflammation of the gums and gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums).

• Keep hydrated. A dry mouth is bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids.

• Replace your toothbrush regularly.  Do this every few months at least and especially after you have been sick to not reinfect yourself.  Also, store your toothbrush upright and keep it dry. Click here for other toothbrush tips.

• Try oil pulling. Oil-pulling is an ancient practice of Ayurveda medicine that promises a healthier mouth and gums, whiter, teeth and much less bacteria in the mouth and, therefore, the body. A highly-rated book, albeit one I have not read myself, is available if you want additional information on this age-old habit many find helpful to maintaining oral health.*  

Floss is Boss

That white thread can do wonders.  If you floss regularly, great.  If not, start now.  It is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth and perhaps the most important daily habit in preventing periodontal disease.  Once you get the act of flossing down, it only adds a minute to your routine and you can't imagine NOT doing it. Specifically it can do this:

• Flossing helps prevent tooth decay by removing plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums where the toothbrush can't reach.

• Dental floss polishes the tooth's surface providing a brighter smile.

• Regular flossing can help control bad breath.

• Some studies show flossing can control bacteria that can harm your cardiovascular system.

A Check-Up For Your Dentist

Like a great doctor, a great dentist and hygienist should be part of your medical team.  Besides a thorough cleaning, make sure your dental team does this:

• Screens for oral cancer.  Most head and neck cancers begin in the oral cavity.  Early detection is important. An oral cancer screening should include checking for lumps in the neck and mouth as well as your lips and the inside of your mouth and throat. In addition, there are mouth rinses with a dye that help detect lesions.  Abnormal cells in your mouth may take up the dye in the rinse and appear blue. Your dentist may also use a special light to examine the inside of your mouth to make abnormal tissues show up easier as well.

• Schedules cleaning and check-up appointments every six months.  Reminders through email or phone calls are great to ensure you don't forget to keep your appointment.

• Asks each time for any changes in dental issues as well as health issues.  For example, a diagnosis of diabetes may require you to come more often for cleanings. Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease so extra brushing or flossing may be needed, too. Headaches could be caused by teeth grinding and the dentist can help you there as well.

• Keeps current.  Bring in any articles or questions to ask of new research on dental care or techniques.  Even new toothpastes or brushes should be something the hygienist and dentist should be up-to-date on and discuss with you.

• Maintains machinery.  Ask if the X-ray machines are regularly calibrated.

• Provides lead aprons and thyroid guards when performing x-rays.

So, what have you found helpful for keeping your teeth and gums their best?  Have you tried oil-pulling or other techniques and want to share?


*I have not received any benefit, money or otherwise, for mentioning this book.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coxao/2691416922/">Diogo A. Figueira</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/509495525/">Pink Sherbet Photography</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>