I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, and I've had to make considerable changes to my lifestyle to maintain my health since I was diagnosed. I started this blog to share my experience of coming to terms with having type 2 diabetes and what I've learned on my personal journey. I share details of the lifestyle changes I've made, including giving up smoking and eating more wholefoods, and my personal experience of using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. I also post about new treatments that are becoming available for type 2 diabetes. I hope you find my blog useful and informative.
Whilst having access to a good quality dental hospital will ensure your family has the best chance of maintaining their oral hygiene, there are many additional things you can do to keep the build-up of bacteria at bay. Bacteria can cause a whole host of different problems in both children and adults alike; however combating these effects is quick and easy if you follow these simple but effective tips.
More Than Just Brushing
Most people will have been told by their local dental clinic that brushing twice a day is the key to a healthy smile. They're certainly not wrong; however, the reason behind this is often not clear. Not only does brushing in the morning help to reduce bad breath, it kills off the bacteria that has developed overnight, whilst brushing before bed is used to reduce bacterial growth before you go to sleep. This is important because bacteria that is allowed to fester and grow eventually calcifies and turns into what's known as tartar, a yellowy hard substance that can damage the gums and lead to more serious issues like gingivitis.
Get Ahead of the Game
Fortunately, you can stop bacteria calcifying by removing the plaque regularly. Plaque is just another way of describing the slimy film of bacteria that covers the teeth if they are not brushed. Rather than just relying on brushing, try to incorporate supplementary techniques into your daily routine.
Water and Strawberries
If you drink a lot of soda or dark drinks like coffee you're at risk of staining teeth and feeding the bacteria with the sugars you're likely to consume. Brushing after every drink is both unrealistic and detrimental to the strength of your enamel. Acidic fruits and liquids weaken the exterior wall, which then gets brushed away exposing more of the tooth. Instead swish your mouth out with PH balanced water to remove excess debris, and eat foods like celery, strawberries and sesame seeds that can gently exfoliate the teeth and help to remove stains.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also be used as an alternative to mouthwash. Just use once or twice a day and draw it through the teeth. Its anti-bacterial, fungal and microbial properties can help to keep gums healthy and improve your breath. It's a technique that has been used for hundreds of years in many eastern countries and is actually very cost effective when compared to artificial mouthwashes. You can also chew on fresh parsley after particularly strong meals to remove ghastly odours.
By using these tips in-between dental check ups, you can reduce the likelihood of your family needing costly dental work, and encourage healthy oral habits for a lifetime.
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