How many times a day should we brush our teeth to keep them clean?

Are you wondering what the difference is between a washed and a clean mouth?

These are some of the most common questions we all get!

We should, in collaboration with our dentist, have a preventive program that will allow us to keep our dentures clean and our mouth healthy, so that we can have the amazing results that we all desire.

Prevention concerns us all!

Prevention can prevent, limit or even eliminate the occurrence of many oral diseases. Some problems that can be prevented before they cause you unwanted results are:

• Dental caries
• Gingivitis, periodontitis
• Orthodontic anomalies
• Allergies
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Skin diseases
• Blood diseases
• Genetic diseases
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Devitaminosis
• Diabetes
• Damage from mechanical, chemical, thermal causes or from taking medication
• Salivary gland diseases
• Benign or malignant neoplasms

It is good to have your oral cavity checked 1-2 times a year, unless something hurts or you notice a change in your teeth that you should contact your dentist immediately! Here it is worth noting that many times the dentist makes the diagnosis for more serious diseases during a simple and routine examination. Therefore, the prevention and treatment offered by Dentistry is not limited only to the teeth, but concerns the entire oral cavity!

The 5 basic rules for a strong and healthy smile are as follows:

1. Healthy eating habits. In particular, drinking water helps, while it is good to prefer dairy products, proteins, fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcoholic beverages, sweets and smoking that burden and discolor our teeth.
   Proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently twice a day. Brush with a not-too-hard toothbrush and use small, circular motions. Additionally, try to floss at least once a day. Still, using mouthwash is by no means a substitute for flossing, however for those days when you don’t have time to floss, it’s just what you need!
2. Daily intake of fluoride. Fluoride is the most effective means of preventing caries and at the same time safe for general human health, at all ages if used correctly! The action of fluoride is mainly local, as it is absorbed by the enamel of the teeth and makes it more resistant to the acids produced by the microbes that cause caries. At the same time, it has a mild antimicrobial effect on dental plaque microbes.
3. Preventive coverings of holes and cracks (Sealants). They are placed in one visit, while after their application, no precautions are needed. It is a completely painless and safe procedure and the materials used are transparent or opaque thin-flowing resins. Hole and gap covers have been used worldwide for more than 40 years with excellent results.
4. Regular checkup by the Dentist. The basic rule says that the frequency of visits is determined according to the particular needs of each patient. It is your dentist who will determine how long the interval between preventive checks should be, after first assessing the condition of your mouth and its particularities.

For a great smile and perfect oral hygiene, contact your dentist!

How and why does smoking damage teeth?

Your questions will be answered immediately!

First, a healthy diet does not simply mean avoiding sugar consumption!

It goes without saying that there is a basic principle: foods that are considered healthy for our body are also healthy for our mouth and teeth! This means that a balanced diet, with simultaneous and daily intake of foods from all food groups is necessary for both our oral and general health. This also applies to limiting sugars and fats, as well as avoiding high alcohol consumption and smoking.

In particular, it is particularly necessary for our dentition, the adequate intake of dairy products, fruits, vegetables and legumes. At the same time, we clearly cannot stop consuming sugar. Glucose, the main component of all sugars, is the main source of energy and the most important ¨fuel¨ of the metabolism of practically all living organisms! However, it needs a measure in its consumption!

Clearly, it’s not just sugar that causes caries. All sugars, even food starch, are dangerous to teeth. At the same time, apart from sugars, another category of foods and drinks that need special attention are acidic foods and drinks. The frequent and intense use of acidic spices and drinks can become destructive for the teeth! All kinds of acids that we take in with food destroy the teeth in exactly the same way, as do the acids produced by the germs of dental plaque.

Fluoride is very useful for our oral hygiene! It has a leading role in the fight against caries and fillings, as it is integrated into the crystals of enamel and dentin, strengthening their resistance to the attack of acids. Thus, the teeth become less susceptible to the acids produced by plaque bacteria!

Finally, limit or better yet quit smoking. Tobacco reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the gums and smoking inhibits the healing of tissues, while at the same time greatly reducing the strength of the immune system. The fact is that smokers are four times more likely to develop periodontitis than those who have never smoked.

For any question you have or any guidance you need, contact your dentist!