Isn’t it amazing that when archeologists dig up skeletons from the pre-19th Century, they usually have fairly good teeth? If archeologists were to dig up skulls from people who died recently, that might not be what they find.
The Silent Epidemic in American Dental Health
It’s no secret that tooth health in the US has been in steady decline, and that decline is correlating with the upsurge in sugar in the average American diet. In fact, the rise in tooth decay has been called “a product of modern living.” It’s also been called a “silent epidemic.”
What do you do if you’re one of the many people who have fallen behind in maintaining their teeth?
Here are some tips to get you started on that important journey.
We all know this, but it bears repeating.
Everyone knows we should brush our teeth twice every day with high-quality and efficient dental supplies, but many don’t actually follow through with it. This may be because they focus more on getting and eating sugar instead of brushing their teeth (which is what leads to tooth decay).
Tell your dentist if you brush your teeth, and make sure to take along your toothbrush to appointments so it can be checked.
When you visit the dentist, they can examine and inspect your teeth as needed
. They also have access to dental tools that will help them detect decay and other problems.
If you have any existing tooth decay, they’ll be able to tell based on the color or texture of the decay.
Know what foods cause cavities – avoid them!
Although everyone knows that sugary foods cause cavities, many people don’t know what foods are safe to consume and which ones lead to tooth decay and cavities.
This article by the CDC has a list of foods that are either known to cause cavities, or have been suggested as causing cavities.
Know your risk factors for tooth decay (and keep an eye out for certain warning signs)
Know your tooth decay risk factors!
Make sure you see a dentist twice a year to make sure to get any cavities cleaned up
Be aware of cavities that develop on the soft palate. This is another source of tooth decay, and you should have this checked out immediately by a dentist.
You’re more likely to develop cavities if you have poor eating habits or if you don’t brush your teeth for long periods of time (not enough teeth brushing).
Have a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Foods rich in calcium are great for teeth and other parts of the body.
You’re likely to have a better immune response if you eat foods that are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Whole grains tend to contain large amounts of fiber.
You might be surprised to find out which foods are healthy (and which foods will help fight tooth decay).