Whenever we feel ill, we don’t perform at our best. Regardless of where the ache or pain is, be it in our back, knee or hand, it can prevent us from fulfilling everyday tasks to its full potential. An old saying suggests a healthy body equals a healthy mind; any dentist will also say that to have a health body, the mouth must also be healthy!

Everyone does – or should, if they don’t already – brush their teeth regularly; dentists such as our Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. recommend at least twice a day, as well as daily flossing and twice yearly-checkups to spot and address any potential problems in our mouths. Brushing helps to keep teeth clean by removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of our teeth, while flossing ensures any food debris that can encourage the growth of bacteria is removed from areas of the teeth where brushing might not reach.

Fluoride-based mouthwashes can also help to rinse away any impurities that could cause decay, while also helping to keep the tooth enamel strong. However, despite our best efforts, it is still possible for tooth decay to take hold and so professional dental cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar are recommended, along with other dental services we offer in Grand Prairie.

In addition to keeping teeth clean, eating the right foods is also important to our oral health. A good diet containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is not only good for our body’s general health, but also for our oral health, thanks to their vitamins and nutrients. However, any change in our dental health, such as experiencing pain from our teeth, or even where teeth are missing may see us change our diets for the worse and forego those necessary vitamins.

Sleep is also important; our bodies should aim for around eight hours sleep each night in order to recharge and repair itself. Night-time, however, is when many people subconsciously grind their teeth – a condition called bruxism – which can lead to disturbed sleep and cause pain in the jaws, and even headaches. However, at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX we could treat the symptoms of bruxism in several ways, from suggesting relaxation techniques to night-time mouthguards designed to limit the impact of grinding teeth.

Exercise is an excellent way to keep fit and promote a healthy body; but if we have a tooth-ache, or even a headache (which could be dental related) we might forego our exercise regime through lethargy or the fear of further pain.

Maintaining good dental health is an important facet in maintaining good overall health. While a healthy body may represent and encourage a healthy mind, a healthy mouth must be added to the equation as being equally important.

If it is time for your next dental exam and cleaning, contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX at 972-264-5795 to schedule your appointment. We are also your cosmetic dentist in Grand Prairie TX for when you not only want to improve your dental health, but appearance as well.

Ask any dentist about what causes tooth decay and cavities, and an acidic diet will likely be high up in most of the replies. Although bacteria and plaque are key drivers of tooth decay and cavities, it is how these substances react with the food and drink we consume that is really the crux of the matter.

Many foods contain elements, such as sugars, which when exposed to bacteria in the mouth can be converted into acidic byproducts. Eating sweets, for example, can see the sugars in the candy react in this way, leaving a sticky acidic residue behind on the surface of our teeth. Over time, this acidic residue begins to erode the enamel of our teeth until it is removed through brushing and flossing, or by a professional dental cleaning. 

However, when we eat the next sweet, the cycle begins again and we put our teeth under threat once more. It isn’t just sweets either as many foods and drinks contain sugars or carbohydrates which can alter the levels of acidity in our mouths and react with the varied bacteria that are present.

Acid reflux too can have an impact on the health of our teeth, and foods which can encourage heartburn or reflux can encourage the development of increased levels of acids in the mouth while also introducing additional gastric acids to put the mouth under further threat.

It is important then to try to regulate the saliva levels in our mouths. Saliva is a natural defence mechanism of the body which acts as a barrier to mouth acids, and its purpose is to rinse away the acids and bacteria that can attack and harm teeth. However, saliva production can be compromised in several ways, including bouts of dry mouth and a lack of fluid intake. When this happens, the bacteria and acids can wreak havoc in the mouth.

To combat the problem, regular visits to a dentist can help. Professional cleanings where plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and beneath the gumline, and a comprehensive dental exam are important steps in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Advice on how to combat the proliferation of acids through dietary changes and self-help techniques such as chewing gum to stimulate saliva production may also be given.