Teething Problems

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Teething Problems

Identifying the most common oral care issues and understanding how to prevent and treat them will enable you to recommend the best products to meet your customers’ needs

A recent survey by Sussex-based dental clinic, Vitality, found that 75% of people ranked an attractive smile as the most important physical feature that people look for in a partner, while 76% said that bad teeth would put them off dating someone.

While consumers undoubtedly place a great deal of importance on the appearance of their teeth, good oral health can positively impact much more than just their smile. According to NHS Choices, gum disease may increase the risk of several health complications, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and has been linked with dementia and problems in pregnancy.

Mintel’s Oral Care UK 2016 report has identified the dental health issues that Brits are most likely to have suffered from in the last 12 months as plaque build-up (47%), staining or yellowing (45%), bleeding gums (35%), tooth pain, e.g. from a broken or abscessed tooth (31%), cavities (31%) and bad breath (26%). Good oral care can eliminate the risk of a number of these issues, while lifestyle changes can also play a part.

PLAQUE BUILD-UP

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth daily and can lead to gum disease. There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis, typified by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing, and periodontitis, which gingivitis can lead to if left untreated. Periodontitis occurs when plaque destroys the gums, soft tissue and, eventually, the bones that hold the teeth in place, making it a major cause of tooth loss. Dental practitioner Dr Amit Rai says: “The main way of preventing gum disease is to clean the plaque from the teeth every day. This is done through effective tooth brushing and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, commonly supported by a medicated mouthwash containing chlorhexidine. Gum disease can also be made worse by smoking, so kicking the habit would benefit gums. Customers should visit their dentist if they suspect gum disease, so they may assess and professionally treat the symptoms.”

The right brushing technique is crucial in preventing plaque build-up and, in turn, gum disease. Dr Uchenna Okoye, Oral-B Ambassador and resident cosmetic dentist for Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger, advises: “You should ensure that you brush for at least two minutes twice a day, using a circular motion and being careful not to miss out any teeth.”

DISCOLOURATION

Teeth can become discoloured with age, but the food and drink we consume has the biggest impact on tooth colour. Dentist Dr Chig Amin says: “The main reason for tooth discolouration is enamel staining, and some of the most common causes of staining include coffee, wine, cola and smoking. Brushing teeth after every meal and rinsing the mouth regularly will help to prevent the build up of surface stains, as will regular trips to a dental hygienist.”

Dr Richard Marques BDS from Wimpole Street Dental Clinic offers the following tips for whiter teeth:

USE BAKING SODA: Try mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with water and applying it to the teeth with a toothbrush. Alternatively, add the baking soda to toothpaste to make teeth look gradually whiter over time. EAT STRAWBERRIES AND

APPLES: They contain malic acid, a natural cleanser that helps remove stains. AVOID

HIGHLY PIGMENTED FOODS: Strongly coloured foods, such as beetroot, blueberries, carrots and Chinese/Indian takeaways (which often contain high levels of turmeric and food colourings), can stain teeth by binding to the tooth surface. USE SALT WATER AS

MOUTHWASH: Warm salt water helps to whiten teeth naturally while looking after gums, as it is a natural antibacterial. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm kettle-boiled water.

USE COCONUT OIL AS A MOUTH RINSE: Swill a tablespoon of the oil in the mouth for as long as you can – 15 minutes is ideal. This ‘oil pulling’ removes bacteria and helps prevent plaque and stains from sticking to teeth by lubricating them.

USE CHARCOAL: It binds to stains to remove them from the tooth’s surface. Try Diamond Whites Black Edition Tooth Polish (RRP £16.99), a 100% natural tooth polish made from activated coconut shell charcoal, which helps strengthen gums, remove toxins and absorb bacteria.

TOOTH DECAY

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, occurs when bacteria-produced acid destroys tooth enamel and the underlying layer of dentin. Dr Rai explains: “Tooth decay flourishes in a sugar-rich oral environment, with an abundance of bacteria residing in plaque. Therefore, the best way to prevent cavities is through a combination of restricting the consumption of sugary treats, brushing at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and regularly cleaning the interdental spaces between teeth. The daily use of a fluoride-based mouthwash at a different time to brushing is also beneficial to keep cavities to a minimum. Your customers should visit a dentist if they suspect they have tooth decay, so they may assess and, if appropriate, professionally restore any cavities.”

BAD BREATH

Bad breath (or halitosis) is an embarrassing but common issue. Dr Rai says: “There are a number of causes of bad breath, including the consumption of strongly flavoured foods, but the main cause is poor oral hygiene. A lack of regular toothbrushing and cleaning in between the teeth results in any residual food being broken down by bacteria, releasing the unpleasant smelling gas that causes bad breath.”

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Tooth sensitivity is caused when tiny fluidfilled holes in the dentine layer below the tooth enamel become exposed. When these holes come into contact with triggers, such as hot, cold, acidic or sugary food and drink, the fluid in these holes moves and triggers the tooth’s nerve, leading to pain. Dr Amin says: “Some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth include brushing too hard, gum disease, receding gums and acid erosion.” The latter is predominantly caused by food and drink, but there are steps your customers can take to limit the damage. Dr Rai advises: “It’s advisable to avoid frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks. The way you drink acidic beverages is also important – try to avoid swishing acidic drinks around the mouth and instead, drink through a straw. Simple lifestyle changes can also reduce the long-term risk to acid wear, such as waiting for as long as possible after consuming acidic food and drinks before brushing the teeth, and adopting a regime of brushing-eating-rinsing.”

 

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