The Pearls of Life:
101 Simple Ways to Health and Happiness
Smile with Beautiful Teeth
When I brought my
puppy, Cosmos, to the vet for his first physical, the first thing the
vet did was look at his teeth. It was not just for estimating his age,
which we did because Cosmos was adopted from a pound, but also to
determine his overall health. After looking his teeth over, the vet did
not lay another hand on Cosmos before declaring him a healthy pup.
The condition of
teeth can tell a lot about our overall health. Diseases of the teeth,
such as periodontitis, not only cause bad breath but are also linked to
heart problems, stroke, and pneumonia. Pregnant women with periodontitis
tend to have premature births or small babies. Many diseases, including
diabetes and AIDS, often show their initial signs through lesions and
other problems in the mouth.
As teeth are parts
of our bodies, it is natural that the health of the teeth relates
closely to the rest of the body. The separation between dentistry and
general medicine is largely artificial and historical.
It is therefore
important to practice good dental hygiene. Healthy teeth not only show
the world our beautiful smiles, but they also help maintain good overall
health of our bodies.
- Brush twice a
day. Floss between teeth every day.
- Use fluoridated
toothpaste.
- Brush or scrape
your tongue gently before or after brushing your teeth.
- Replace
toothbrush every three to four months. Replace more frequently if the
toothbrush bristles become frayed.
- Have regular
dental exams and cleanings.
- Eat a good diet.
- Rinse your mouth
and brush your teeth after eating sweets or starchy foods.
- Eat an abundance
of fruits and vegetables. The fiber in crunchy fruits and vegetables
tends to help cleanse your teeth. This works best if eaten at the end of
a meal or a snack.