- The WHO states that 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseaseswhich is equivalent to almost half of the global population.
- Poor dental health is not only a cosmetic issue but can also complicate diabetes and hypertension treatments.
- The abuse in the consumption of food and drinks damages the teeth.
One of the favorite times of millions of people is approaching. It is Christmas, a special date that serves as a pretext to visit family or stay together with friends. But although there are good intentions, the negative part is that too important items such as dental health.
To begin with, the usual thing during this date and all the previous days is to eat excessively. From the posadas to the Christmas dinner there is a wide variety of delicious dishes and endless sweets.
Due to the above, the obvious consequence of consuming abundant amounts of food is weight gain, which leads to obesity. Although it is a serious health problem, there is also a side effect and it is the dental health neglect.
With this in mind, it is important that you and your patients follow the guidelines below during the holiday season. The Dr. Etna Floresspecialized in digital dentistry and invisible orthodontics, affirms that care should prevail throughout the year but especially on these days you should pay attention to the following details.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Not only is it crucial to brush your teeth, but you also have to maintain proper tongue and palate hygiene. Do not forget to do it after each meal and complement it with the use of dental floss once a day and a rinse.
Drink a lot of water
Not only is it essential to stay hydrated, but drinking water will help keep your mouth cleaner because it removes sugars and food debris from the surface of your teeth and gums.
Do not exceed the consumption of sweets
Typical Christmas products tend to have high doses of sugar, but it is not just about the amount you eat, but also about the time that the sugar is in contact with your teeth. Therefore, it is essential that you take a cleaning kit with you to be able to brush when you finish eating.
Limit alcohol consumption to a minimum
The acidity of these drinks can erode tooth enamel and cause staining of the teeth. Therefore, the best advice is not to abuse its consumption and drink sugar-free drinks and non-alcoholic champagne. Also choose red wine over white wine and champagne because they are more aggressive for enamel and dental root cementum.
Use a straw when consuming drinks
Consuming sugary or carbonated drinks causes premature wear, they decalcify the enamel of your teeth and stain them. Therefore, the ideal is to use a straw to avoid direct contact and thus counteract its effects.
In the same way, to avoid damage to the environment, try to avoid plastic straws. Instead you can opt for the wooden or metal versions and in the end they work for the same thing.
Also read:
Poor dental health could complicate high blood pressure treatments
Oral health: most common diseases and risk factors
Oral cancer, an evil that dentists should diagnose: INCan