Dental problems are a nightmare because they literally involve paying someone to hurt you. As if the pain you experience in the dentist’s chair is not bad enough, you have to usually pay large sums for most dental procedures, or at least for the big ones like root canal treatment and tooth extraction.
As one gets older, costs for bridges and dentures continue to get more expensive. Dental problems are so incredibly and universally abhorred that in the mid-1900s, a poet called Ogden Nash wrote a whole (really long) poem titled, “This is going to hurt just a little bit” about the woes of going to a dentist.
All of us are sure to identify with his sentiments; sure to laugh and cry along, but even he acknowledges that frequent visits to the dentist are a must. And that brings us to the very first among our rules for minimizing your dental problems.
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Frequent visits to your dentist
You need a professional examination, cleansing, and minor fixing (if necessary) every couple of months. This need not be painful if you go often enough.
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Brush and floss after every meal
A fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash are usually recommended by dentists for those who are more prone to cavities. The teeth at the back of your mouth have lots of grooves and nooks that may call for the precision of flossing, in order to ensure thorough cleaning. This will also help you avoid the need for root canal treatment. Whatever happens, do not allow food to stay wedged between your teeth.
There are several different types of floss that are available in the market today. It is best that you avoid the plastic ones, and go for a natural corn fiber floss. You do not want to expose your teeth to anything that is laden with harmful chemicals. Cutting down on plastic and other chemicals in your daily oral hygiene is recommended by leading dentists. This will allow you to keep your teeth healthy and clean in a naturally sustainable manner.
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Drink plenty of water
This universal life rule is applicable to dental health too; because saliva is what keeps bacteria at bay and a dry mouth is thus a breeding ground for bacteria, not to mention odor or bad breath. If you are often strapped to a dentist’s chair for root canal treatments, it could be that frequent dry mouth is allowing for inflammation in your root canals.
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Avoid frequent snacking and sipping
Every time you chew on anything or sip anything (that isn’t water) your arm the bacteria hiding in your mouth with the ingredients that they require to create acids that corrode the enamel of your teeth. This makes your teeth susceptible to a host of dental problems such as cavities, root canal infection and in the long run, complete erosion, or tooth loss.
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Choose foods that are less harmful to your teeth
Make a list of foods to cut down on; keep it visible and handy, same for a list of foods that promote dental health. Keep a copy at home and one at work if necessary.
Foods that are bad for your teeth
- Sugar
- Chips
- Sodas
- Milk
- Dry cereal
- Cakes and cookies
- Ice-cream
- Hard candy
- Dried fruits
Foods that aid the good health of your teeth
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh vegetables
- Sugar-free gum
- Unsweetened tea and coffee
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Ditch that “mint”
A large chunk of what is packaged, positioned, and marketed as mint or breath freshener is actually not good for your teeth, and actually increases the incidence of odorous breath. As mentioned in rule number 5, opt for sugar-free gum only. You can also check with your dentist if you need some specific kind of gum for your unique dental problems. If you frequently have bad breath, it could be a sign that you’re not drinking enough water or that food is lodged in your teeth.
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Extreme measures for extreme situations
Fluoride treatments, antibacterial treatments, gum ointments and xylitol-based chewable might be recommended by your dentist if your dental problems are bordering on the extreme.
People are taking care of their bodies today with daily gym appointments, intermittent fasting, and the next it-diet. Why not extend this care to your teeth? None of the seven points suggested here need even half of the commitment and self-control as most diets and intermittent fasting do. Get started immediately; it’s easy and doable!
If you’re concerned about the hefty fees you will have to pay for periodic dentist visits or an upcoming procedure, you’re not alone. However, you need not worry. Get yourself the Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card and divide what you will need to pay, and settle your dental bill in bite-sized installments.
