1 week Ago By [email protected] (Samantha Leathers)
Around one in three adults in the UK suffer from tooth decay and a shocking one in four children do too. This often painful and costly health issue is usually preventable by keeping a keen eye on your oral hygiene, but most people don’t realise what you eat can have almost as much of an influence as brushing your teeth. Dental expert Barty Wash explained that certain snacks, like crunchy fruits including apples and pears, work to remove plaque on the teeth and keep breath fresh.
For parents, this can be particularly useful if it’s tough to get your child to brush their teeth. The Ordo expert said: “A crunchy fruit, like an apple or pear, can help remove plaque and freshen breath too. Similarly, crunchy vegetables stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria, protecting teeth from cavity-causing nasties throughout the day.
" Most high street supermarkets offer these fruits for around 30p each, but this isn’t the only mouth-cleaning snack though, as Barty continued: “Calcium-rich foods can be great for kids’ teeth as they contain proteins that actually help to fortify tooth enamel, as well as strengthening the teeth themselves. “So, if you’re unsure of a good option, cheese, milk, plain yoghurt and calcium-fortified tofu are great choices for your little ones' teeth. Yoghurts are also a really easy snack to pop in a lunchbox, and cheese is particularly good after meals as it neutralises any acidity to help to fight tooth decay.
” When it comes to drinks, the expert recommended milk and water as the best choice for oral hygiene. He noted that diluted fruit juice and unsweetened tea can also be okay in moderation, however he urged: “It’s best to avoid fizzy and sugary drinks where possible, but the odd treat won’t do too much damage.” Getting the right toothbrush can also make all the difference, and nowadays these tools come in a range of sizes, shapes, colours, textures and hardness.
Ideally, you should be looking for a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and with space to manoeuvre so you can access all the teeth and gums. Most people will be recommended soft bristles, but your dentist can advise you on which type would be ideal for you. People with sensitive teeth and gums may also want to opt for extra soft bristles to avoid the pain.
When it comes to choosing the right toothbrush for your child, Barty recommended: “The best tool for healthy kids' teeth is a soft and small toothbrush with a toothpaste that has a concentration of Fluorine of 1000ppm. As your child begins to grow and their motor skills develop, let them take the lead and just keep an eye on them as they begin to brush their own teeth to make sure they are brushing correctly and keeping their mouth healthy.” He warned: “When children are suffering with tooth pain, lots of other things in their lives suffer too - schoolwork, speech and language development, diet, friendships and their overall happiness.
Stopping the rot before it starts is key. This begins with oral health education. Educating our children in the correct oral health practices is key to them avoiding preventable tooth decay.
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