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Effective Teeth Care Habits

A seemingly minute detail that can have a colossal impact on your oral health
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  • Twice daily tooth brushing
  • hydroxyapatite
  • Preventing Cavities
  • Sugar Drinks
  • Oil Pulling

Twice daily tooth brushing

Maintaining teeth can feel like a dull chore. However, exploring the best ways to sustain dental hygiene can transform this daily task into a delightful ritual, guaranteeing a radiant smile and the enjoyment of a variety of meals. Let's explore the superior techniques for preserving pristine teeth based on scientific research and common knowledge

Twice daily tooth brushing, lasting two minutes each time, is the golden standard for dental cleanliness. Such a routine can be enlivened by accompanying it with a two-minute melody that makes time fly while polishing your precious pearls. Here is a song that is close to 2 minutes long:

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Having strong teeth is similar to having sturdy bones. Imagine your future teeth smiling in the joy of munching on a breakfast chicken sandwich from Wendy's, flashing a brilliant, healthy smile.

A study conducted in the vibrant city of Jakarta, Indonesia, shed light on the average tooth-brushing frequency among 120 families. Alarmingly, it was discovered that their brushing habits fell short of the recommended twice-daily routine and rarely lasted the advised 120seconds. Hence, it is pivotal for all practitioners in dental and general health fields, public health workers, and the oral care industry to collectively address this pressing concern. A concerted effort is needed to reach those who usually bypass oral health care and aid them in establishing an effective brushing regimen –specifically, brushing twice daily. Find more on page 3 of this research paper

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hydroxyapatite

A seemingly minute detail that can have a colossal impact on your oral health is hydroxyapatite - Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH), a principal mineral constituent of human and animal teeth and bones. This mineral superstar plays an indispensable role in dentistry as it forms the primary structure of tooth enamel, accounting for around 96% of its composition. This is the secret behind enamel's toughness that enables it to resist the pressures of chewing and biting. Its stability and biocompatibility make hydroxyapatite a popular choice for bone grafting and dental implant coatings to enhance bone bonding. Additionally, hydroxyapatite-based products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses are becoming increasingly popular for their potential to remineralize teeth, replenish the worn hydroxyapatite over time, and prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. More on this can be found in this linked study

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Preventing Cavities

Prevention is always better than cure, and this saying holds particularly true for tooth decay. Once a cavity forms, the ensuing steps are considerably more serious. Investing in better nutrition is akin to investing in better oral health. Diminishing your phytic acid consumption is key to mitigating potential dental damage. Think of Vitamin D, natural probiotics, and calcium as the loyal guards of your tooth fortress, significantly enhancing its resilience.

Here's a list of foods to consider moderating in your quest for optimal dental health:

  1. Legumes: Un-soaked or unfermented beans, lentils, peas, and others are high in phytic acid.
  2. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and others contain significant amounts of phytic acid
  3. Potatoes and sweet potatoes, primarily their skins, contain phytic acid.
  4. Soy: Soybeans and most soy products are high in phytic acid.

Fortunately, traditional food preparation methods like soaking, sprouting, and fermenting can degrade phytic acid and improve the bio availability of these foods' minerals. That being said, phytic acid has potential health benefits such as acting as an antioxidant and aiding in blood sugar control, so it's not necessary or recommended to eliminate it entirely from your diet. Always seek personalized dietary advice from a healthcare provider or nutritionist.

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If the phytic acid content of your diet is causing you some concern, there are several traditional preparation methods that can mitigate it's presence, including soaking, sprouting, and fermenting. These practices have been shown to diminish phytic acid content, rendering the minerals within these foods more readily absorbed. However, phytic acid isn't entirely a nutritional villain; it also boasts potential health benefits such as antioxidant properties and aiding in blood sugar control. It's not recommended or necessary to eliminate it entirely from your diet. For personalized dietary advice, always consult a healthcare provider or a nutritionist.

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Sugar Drinks

Beware, the shiny beverages such as certain energy drinks, coffee, some teas, and fruit drinks. They can, over time, wreak decay on your teeth, especially if you're already nursing a cavity and are keen on avoiding more cavities. Especially for children who are still growing their teeth.

Oil Pulling

In the quest for oral health, there exist some natural remedies that maybe beneficial. One such technique is oil pulling, an ancient practice that's gained modern followers. Here, coconut oil or MCT oil is preferred. This involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, ideally at the dawn of your day. Find more research on this topic here

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More information on natural remedies to fight cavities

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Remember to consult with a dentist whenever possible! 

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Written by M.L.

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June 1, 2023