Both parents and children alike, from cost to cost and across the country, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Easter. Essentially a Christmas in spring, Easter is a time for family, feasts, and presents.
Most of our images and adages regarding dental care center on the teeth. But is this where we should be focused? While a beautiful, pearly white smile is something to be envied, the path to achieving it begins, not with caring for your teeth, but your gums.
The health of your gums directly affects the health of your teeth. Poor health results in gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, and can lead, over time to periodontitis, or gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults.
This acidic byproduct released from bacteria in the mouth is the cause of cavities and tooth decay. When a person brushes their teeth they clean away the bacteria and acid and sugar from their mouths.
Without appropriate care, your gums will continue to become more inflamed while bacteria and plaque buildup around the base of your teeth. Your teeth will begin to decay as more and more irritants build up. Left unchecked, this decay can eventually cause the gums and bone to completely detach themselves from your now rotting teeth and your tooth will fall out.
Obviously, there is going to be a lot of variety with such a wide sampling to this categorization. One thing to keep in mind during this discussion is that people should use toothbrushes and apply dental practices which they are comfortable with.
Fruit can be a sweet treat for Easter either in its natural state or when dried. While most fruits contain natural sugar, and can therefor cause tooth decay as well, most will also contain a generous portion of naturally existing water that will help to wash away the sugar from the teeth.
Pay special attention to your gum line on both sides of your teeth and make sure that you are brushing your tongue to remove plaque buildup there as well. If your gums do not stop bleeding after a couple weeks of consistent care, make an appointment and discuss this with your dentist.
When you are done brushing, you want to clean the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush is unable to reach. Choose floss that you like and work the thread between each of your teeth, moving gently along the gum line of each tooth. Do not be too rough with the floss as that may damage your teeth.
Breads and pastries may be the least healthy of the above options overall, but will most likely contain the least amount of sugar as well. If pastries are included in the Easter feast or as a treat during the holiday, they should have limited frostings and low sugar substitutes where possible.
Richards Dentistry is proud to serve the community in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Whether you’re curious about invisalign corrective wear, or simply need to make an appointment for your semi-annual checkup, Dr. Richards and Dr. Ribitch are ready to help you maintain a happy, healthy mouth.
Richard’s Dentistry is dedicated to providing the best care in a trusting, relaxed atmosphere. Anything from Crown/Bridges to Whitening and Oral Surgery, this is the best dentist in Mt. Pleasant, MI.