Wobbling teeth are common enough for most children, but in adults they are a sign of poor oral hygiene. The teeth are composed of layers of living tissue enclosed in the external hard enamel; the latter is composed of minerals and is damaged by bacteria (demineralization) due to the acids responsible for tooth decay or other problems. You can reduce and reverse the process of dental deterioration and other oral diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, by making some changes in your diet and oral hygiene habits.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Go to the dentist for cleaning
If you don't have any dental problems, such as gingivitis, you should go to his clinic at least twice a year. The doctor and the dental hygienist perform a deep cleaning, paying particular attention to the gum sacs and to all the areas that the brush and dental floss cannot reach.
- Tartar below the gum line creates a constant deposit of aggressive bacteria that inflames the mucous membranes, causing gum recession and bone loss.
- If you suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis, consider having more frequent professional cleaning with your dentist.
Step 2. Brush your teeth properly
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and place it on your gums at a 45 ° angle; brush each surface about 10 times applying light pressure. Don't forget to hold the brush head vertically to treat the inside of the upper and lower incisors; then take care of your tongue, spit out the toothpaste and hold the foam in your mouth without rinsing.
- Use tartar active toothpaste at least twice a day.
- By leaving the foam on your teeth, you allow them to absorb the minerals, especially if you use a fluoride toothpaste with a concentration greater than 1200 ppm.
Step 3. Floss every day
Take a 45 cm long segment, wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest on the same finger of the other. Hold it firmly between thumb and forefinger as you guide it into each interdental space by rubbing in a horizontal motion; insert it gently without snapping it violently on the gums. Clean each side of the tooth before pulling out the floss, unwind another piece from the middle finger and move on to the next interdental space.
Alternatively, you can use a water jet (a manual device that constantly sprays a stream of water between the gums and teeth). If you don't like, or can't, use floss, wear braces, or have bridges, opt for this solution. Fill the tank with a mixture of water and mouthwash in equal parts for added protection against bacteria
Step 4. Rinse with antibiotic or antiseptic fluids
Your dentist may prescribe this type of mouthwash for daily use if you have gum disease. Oral antibiotics, such as low-dose doxycycline, may be needed to control the bacterial population that damages the gums; therapy could last up to three months. Alternatively, your dentist may recommend antimicrobial mouthwash.
He may also recommend that you insert antiseptic chips or gelatin capsules into the deep sacs between your gums and teeth. if you are having trouble doing this, ask a family member to help you or make a dentist appointment. These therapies are effective in controlling dangerous bacteria
Step 5. Use herbs to massage the gums
Some plants and oils with anti-inflammatory properties are particularly suitable for killing bacteria and reducing inflammation of the oral cavity. Try gently scrubbing one of these substances to get the benefits:
- Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibiotic;
- Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, a real boon for patients suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis;
- Mustard oil is antibiotic and anti-inflammatory;
- Mint oil acts against inflammation, bacteria and freshens the breath;
- Oregano oil is able to strengthen the immune system, as well as kill bacteria;
- Amla has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and high concentrations of vitamin C;
- Sea salt is able to prevent bacterial proliferation and firms the gums around the teeth.
Part 2 of 2: Reduce and Reverse the Dental Deterioration Process with Diet
Step 1. Reduce your consumption of refined sugar and starches
Bacteria feed on sugar; as a result, you can keep the population under control by not eating this substance yourself. Exclude processed foods, prepackaged meals, and sugary drinks from your diet. Read the labels, and if you find sugar, high fructose corn syrup, cane syrup, or another sweetener in the first five places on the ingredients list, don't buy the product. Cut back on or completely avoid the foods and drinks described below, as they can aggravate your oral condition if you eat (or drink) them regularly:
- Packaged snacks, crackers and chips;
- Bread and cakes;
- Soft drinks, sweetened teas, or fruit juice drinks.
Step 2. Replace sugar with honey or stevia
When you want to eat something sweet, choose honey that has antibacterial properties and stevia, a plant that is 200 times sweeter than sugar and has no calories.
Avoid artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which trigger glucose intolerance (prediabetes) by altering the balance of the intestinal flora
Step 3. Pay attention to the amount of citrus you consume
Eat them in moderation and remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water but do not brush your teeth immediately; in this way, you reduce the acidity of the oral cavity.
Natural fruit sugar - fructose - is not used by bacteria and is present in low concentrations in fruits such as apples, pears or peaches; so don't be afraid to eat fresh fruit
Step 4. Chew your food slowly and drink water
Take your time to completely grind each bite so that your mouth produces saliva, which in turn is able to remineralize your teeth naturally during meals; the more you chew, the more saliva is excreted. You should also drink 6-8 8-ounce glasses of water per day; it does not need to be mineral, instead try to get minerals through your diet. You can also drink tap water that contains minerals that are characteristic of the area where you live.
- Most tap water is treated with fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Although bottled is preferred by many people, it generally does not contain this important mineral; if the water is "deionized, purified, demineralized or distilled", it does not contain any trace of fluorine.
- Sipping water is an easy way to stay hydrated without taking in substances that can damage your teeth.
- If you eat an acidic food, chew even slower to increase saliva production.
Step 5. Take a mineral supplement
Multivitamin products should contain minerals, especially calcium and magnesium; the latter is important in preventing the loss of calcium, which in turn weakens bones and teeth. If you don't eat foods like milk, cheese or yogurt, try to get at least 1000 mg of calcium and 300-400 mg of magnesium per day, otherwise you risk having more tartar deposits. if you are a man over 71 or a woman over 50, try to take 1200 mg of calcium per day.
Children who take vitamins according to their age have different needs for magnesium; from birth up to three years they must take 40-80 mg per day; from three to six years the dosage increases to 120 mg per day, while for children up to ten years old, 170 mg per day is needed
Step 6. Get more vitamin D
Together with calcium, it strengthens bones and teeth, while destroying the bacteria responsible for caries. Aim to take around 600 IU (international units) per day; adults over 70 should reach 800 IU per day. Alternatively, you can spend about 10-15 minutes in the afternoon sun without applying sunscreen; try to expose your arms, legs and back if possible. To get vitamin D from your diet, eat products that are rich in it such as:
- Fish (salmon, mackerel, whitefish, red snapper);
- Vitamin D fortified soy milk;
- Coconut milk;
- Cow milk;
- Egg;
- Yogurt.
Advice
- If you notice any bleeding, pain or swelling when using any of these remedies, stop immediately and call your dentist.
- Soft drinks are acidic and can damage tooth enamel; reduce consumption or eliminate them completely.
