National Toothache Day!
Today is National Toothache Day and we feel that it is the perfect opportunity to provide you with a subtle reminder on the importance of dental care.
Our teeth are so important, because without them we could not digest and chew food, speak or clearly pronounce various sounds. That is why it is essential to take care of our teeth.
For adults, there is nothing worse than an aching tooth. Typically, a toothache is pain generated from a tooth or multiple teeth - which can make it extremely difficult to eat, sleep or even talk, which can make us miserable. It is safe to say, toothaches are not pleasant and are definitely something we shouldn’t be celebrating.
However, we can prevent toothaches. Here are some simple steps for you to take care of your teeth:
1. Routine Dental Care
Routine dental care is an essential first step. It is important to make sure your teeth are being looked after and that is why you should visit your dentist once every 6-12 months. Regular dental appointments are essential because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist will check your overall oral health for any areas of trouble during the dental check up, they may also remove any plaque and tartar buildup during the cleaning process, and may polish your teeth.
2. Cut Down on Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar causes tooth decay. It's not just about the sugar content in sweet foods and drinks, but how long and how often the teeth are in contact with sugar. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that create acids that dissolve and weaken the teeth using sugar from foods and drinks. Soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, fruit drinks and cordials also have high levels of acid that can cause tooth erosion. However, you can consume sugary food and drinks on occasion as a treat (I’d be lost without some chocolate in my life).
3. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day
It is very important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, for around two minutes in order to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. By brushing your teeth, you can stop plaque build up. Plaque is a bacterial film that coats your teeth if you don't properly clean them. This leads to tooth decay and gum disease. When it comes to brushing your teeth, make sure you clean the inside of your teeth, the outside surfaces and the chewing surfaces.
4. Remember that flossing is important
As adults, we often forget to floss. Many of us think flossing is to dislodge any food wedged between your teeth, however regular flossing can also reduce gum disease, bad breath and remove any plaque that has formed along the gums. For best practice, make sure to floss before brushing your teeth - you can read more on why it is important to floss by clicking here.
To ease the pain of a toothache simply take some painkillers, use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth or try rinsing your mouth with salt water. However, you can take steps to avoid a toothache from happening - so why don’t you book a routine dental appointment today? You could even take your little one along with you for their first dental appointment.
It is so important to set an example for your child and that is why it is great to get them to look after their teeth as soon as one appears. Avoid giving your child sugary foods and drinks that often and make sure to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth. These simple steps will make a huge difference for you and baby.
Is your baby struggling with teething? Read our blog post nine steps on what to do for a teething baby.