Teeth are small semi-bone structures found in the mouth. In addition to humans, a great number of animals, especially mammals, have teeth. Teeth give people a lovely smile. Furthermore, teeth play an important role in cutting and chewing food in preparation for swallowing and digesting.
They play an important role in speech and pronouncing letters correctly. People are born toothless. Teeth normally start to appear at about six months of age and they develop two types of teeth, milk teeth and permanent teeth.
Dental health
To have a beautiful smile, you have to maintain healthy teeth. Teeth decay prevention helps you enjoy the benefits of a bright smile and a beautiful mouth.
It is well known that the most important causes of tooth decay are the consumption of sweets, sugar and soft drinks as well as the lack of dental care. As for having yellow, discoloured teeth, they may have resulted from genetic factors, smoking or large volumes of caffeinated drinks.
In this article we will discuss how to maintain healthy teeth in fairly simple steps which are accessible to everyone.
Preventive dental care
One of the most important ways to maintain healthy teeth is to brush your teeth twice a day. You also should use toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent tooth decay; your dentist can recommend one that’s best for you. You should also use a toothbrush with soft bristles so that they reach everywhere between your teeth. Some people make common tooth brushing mistakes going along their teeth, left too right, which causes gum disease. The correct way is to brush your teeth in little circular, up and down motions.
The use of dental floss to remove plaque is well recommended in dental hygiene. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a sea shape against one tooth and rub gently the side of the tooth. The dental floss should be used after every meal.
Furthermore, you can use the “miswak”. It creates fragrance in the mouth. It was used and recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). WHO also recommends the use of the “miswak”for dental hygiene purposes and is very common in both the East and the West.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and hookah (narghile) as the risks go beyond tooth decay and discloured teeth. Tobacco products cause pulmonary diseases which may develop into lung cancer. So a remedial programme must be followed to quit smoking.
Refrain from unhealthy practises such as breaking nuts, especially hazelnuts, between the teeth or eating sweets which get stuck between teeth and are difficult to remove. You should also abstain from eating sweets or high sugar content foods before you sleep. Lingering sugar molecules on teeth cause cavities, plaque or gum inflammation.
See your dentist when feeling any pain in the teeth. Teeth should be treated at once in order not to lose a single tooth. It is recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a regular check up to ensure the safety of your teeth and protection from damage.
Risks of untreated teeth:
- Tooth decay
- Periodontitis: a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tooth supporting apparatus
- Gum disease (gingivitis)
- Bruxism: some people may clench their teeth during sleep. This can be caused by stress and anxiety
- Tooth sensitivity: it involves discomfort or pain when having hot or cold drinks and food
divaclinicist
