How to Avoid the Dentist
One would think as a registered dental hygienist, I would be worried about job security. For decades, dental hygienists have been working alongside dentists. One profession works to prevent disease and the other works to repair disease. Polar opposites really. Yet, the hamster wheel continues to turn. Disease exists in spite of toothbrushes, floss, fluoride, mouth rinses, and dental care. What’s the missing piece? Why do some people seem more cavity prone than others? Why do some people have healthy gums, even when they don’t floss?
Ask yourself this question: Is dental disease preventable? Think about your answer and why you think it is or isn’t.
The blame game is played far too much. We all have played, but really, it doesn’t answer the question, why? Believe it or not, genetics have very little to do with dental disease. The biggest genetic link is learned behavior. If you grew up eating sugary cereal washed down with orange juice and chocolate milk, that’s not a genetic physiological link. That’s behavior. So when the dentist reports you or your child has a cavity, it’s because of the behavior….sugar exposures not “soft teeth.” Enamel is the hardest substance in our body, but it’s destroyed by sugars and acids.
Let me explain. Saliva is a neutral base ranging from 6.5 – 7.0. That neutral balance is what keeps our teeth and gums healthy. Eating and drinking are necessary for life and something we enjoy experiencing. Some more than others. However, it’s the choices we make in what we put into our mouth that makes the biggest difference for our oral health. When we consume sugar or anything that is acidic, it takes about 20 minutes for enough saliva to wash away the acids and bring that pH back up to neutral. Most people have a habit of “sipping” on a sweetened beverage or snacking over a period of time. Each time we take a bite of something sweet or take a sip of a sugary beverage, that time clock starts over. So, if you are consuming over a period of an hour, you have successfully bathed your teeth in acid for an hour and 20 minutes. Is that heredity? I think not.
Dental disease is primarily classified in two sections: Hard tissue (teeth) and Soft tissue (gums). Oral disease is caused by bacteria. While some bacteria are beneficial, others are very destructive. It’s when too many bacteria collect that damage occurs. It becomes a frat party at the local university. The police get called, but the damage has already occurred. It then becomes an issue of damage control. It’s much more difficult to correct past disease, but it can become stable again. It will take a commitment, time, and probably some money.
I would like to share some information I’ve learned over the years of being a hygienist. While most people think of a hygienist as a mere tooth cleaner, we are so much more. I like to think of myself as a detective, coach, and motivator. I have seen people make a complete turnaround with their oral health. You can too!
1. The most important part of staying away from the dentist is to avoid sugars as much as possible. Sugar is an inflammatory food that not only destroys the teeth but also compromises the body by making it a breeding ground for disease. Sugar is hidden in almost every processed food, including our salt and bread. Begin to read those nutrition labels. You will be surprised by the amount of sugar you consume.
a. Find substitutes, like xylitol, to replace table sugar.
b. Eat fruits in their natural state rather than in a juice that usually has added sugars.
c. Replace sugary beverages with unsweet tea or water. Herbal teas or green teas are best.
2. If you do indulge in sugar, it’s best to eat/drink quickly rather than snack or sip. Remember you want to get that pH back up to neutral as soon as possible. Another tip is to drink water soon after the sweetened food or beverage. That will at least help to wash off the sugars and begin the neutralizing process.
3. Dry brush your teeth prior to adding toothpaste. Toothpaste has a numbing effect on the tongue and tricks it into thinking the teeth are smooth and clean when they aren’t. Start brushing on the inside lower teeth first then move to the upper insides of the teeth. From there move the brush to the outer surfaces and finish up on the biting sides. Explore with the tongue to feel the teeth. Any area that feel rough or not smooth, brush until teeth feel and taste clean. If you want, add some toothpaste for a little fluoride, stain remover, and a minty taste. Remember, toothpaste is optional. It’s the act of brushing well that is most important.
4. Clean in between the teeth with something like floss, a water irrigator, or brush. There are many tools available today. Find one you will use. Gum disease begins in between the teeth. It’s more important to clean in between the teeth than it is to brush. The mere act of chewing helps to removed food particles from the brushing sides, but once it’s stuck in between the teeth, it will linger causing inflammation.
5. Almost everyone develops some tartar on the teeth, so it’s important to visit your dental professional on a regular basis for a checkup. Also visit your primary care provider for yearly checkups too. The mouth and the body are not separate. Bleeding gums are often a signal that something systemic is happening, so pay attention!
6. White teeth are important to most people. Teeth are not naturally bright white. Using professional whitening solutions will help brighten teeth, however, diet plays a role in this too. Drinks like wine, coffee, and tea tend to stain teeth along with smoking. Avoiding these products will help teeth to stay brighter looking. Stain adheres to plaque, so when there is little to no plaque, teeth will look brighter. *See hint #3
Dental disease is preventable. You have the choice. It’s your time, your money. You get to choose how you spend it.