How to Care for Your Teeth

Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Preventing Dental Problems

Introduction

Did you know that the leading cause of dental problems in the UAE is dental caries? A study conducted to determine oral health knowledge and behavior among adults in the UAE showed that participants had suboptimal oral health knowledge and behavior. Participants knew general concepts about oral health like brushing and flossing teeth. However, they lacked knowledge of the importance of these behaviors. People with dental problems have poor oral hygiene and consume a sugar-rich diet, and others delay their visits with the dentist, which can worsen the problem.

Common Dental Problems

Dental problems degrade the quality of your teeth. Fortunately, they are preventable and treatable. It is important to educate yourself about common dental problems to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Common problems include:

• Bad breath or halitosis
• Gum/periodontal disease
• Tooth decay or cavities
• Oral cancer
• Mouth sores
• Tooth sensitivity
• Tooth erosion

How to Get Healthy Teeth

Healthy teeth don’t happen overnight, but you can achieve this by caring for them throughout your life. It is important to take care of your oral health consistently. Simple ways to do this include:

Brushing

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal, and don't forget to brush before bed.
• Use a good brush with soft bristles to avoid harming your teeth and gums.

Flossing

• Floss your teeth at least once a day to eliminate food particles and prevent plaque buildup.
• Flossing helps eliminate bad breath and gives you fresher breath.

Consider a Fluoride Toothpaste

• Fluoride toothpaste prevents the bacteria and acid that can cause decay and destroys the tooth enamel.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

• Excess alcohol consumption can cause tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, tooth loss, and plaque.
• Smoking interferes with gum tissue functioning, increasing the risk of infections, periodontal disease, and impairs blood flow.

Watch Your Diet

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks that produce harmful acids that erode tooth enamel.
• Sticky foods like jelly beans, honey, and caramel can mix with bacteria and produce more acid.
• Acidic foods like pickles and citrus fruits erode tooth enamel.
• Incorporate acidic foods in other meals to minimize the acidity.
• Fermented carbohydrates found in cereals, chips, and cookies can increase acid in your mouth.
• Avoid bottled tea and soft drinks that contain flavor additives and sugars.
• Good choices include water, fruits like pears and apples, fibrous foods like celery and carrots, and dairy products.

Keep Your Dental Appointments

• Visit your dentist twice a year to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent future problems.