Good dental habits keep everything sweet

By KATHERINE HOBY

Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every two months?

And that you should brush the top of the tongue every day?

Dental specialists are keen for people to pay as much attention to their teeth as they do to the health of the rest of their body.

The New Zealand Dental Health Foundation wants to set people straight on basic oral hygiene.

In a society where many judge on first impressions, good oral health is vital.

Sensible eating habits are necessary, as well as a diet that promotes dental health.

When it comes to sugar, it is not only how much we eat that matters, but how often.

The risk of tooth decay is relative to the frequency of consuming sweet foods and drinks.

The more often you have sweet foods and drinks, the greater your chances of suffering decay.

The president of the foundation, Dr Barrie Pratt, says e bacteria in the mouth digest the sugar within minutes and produce an acid which attacks the tooth surfaces.

Dental plaque, due to its sticky quality, keeps the acids in contact with the teeth.

Research has found that a surprising variety of foods besides sugar can cause cavities.

Starches found in cereals, breads and vegetables may be as damaging as foods high in sugar.

The sticky texture of foods such as raisins, dates and dried fruits, although natural, can be an influence on tooth decay.

This is because the foods stick to teeth and stay in the mouth longer.

It is best to have sweet foods with a meal, rather than on their own.

Increased saliva flow during meals helps to clear food from the mouth and neutralise the effects of sugar.

To become more aware of eating habits, their effect on your oral health and how to modify them, try making a note of what you eat and when.

A nutritionist or dental professional can help you to review your diet.

Dr Pratt says prevention is the best protection against tooth decay.

He suggests a simple routine of brushing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash and good eating habits.

Using floss to clean those hard-to-reach crannies is also recommended.

Regular check-ups and professional cleaning can help to prevent most dental problems.

Dr Pratt says forming a good dentist-patient relationship, similar to that with your doctor, takes the fear out of dental care.

Regular visits can prevent minor problems becoming major ones.

It is important not to wait until you are suffering pain before visiting a dentist.