Wormy Tooth Decay Myths of the Past Were Not Entirely on the Wrong Track, says Elegant Dentistry
Marina Del Rey-based Elegant Dentistry comments on a recent article that though tooth worms don't actually exist, patients should practice thorough dental hygiene to avoid the dangers of dangerous acid-producing bacteria.
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A June 29 article on Healthline reports on the belief of past generations where tooth decay was believed to have been caused by tiny worms that inhabited the mouths of those afflicted. The article goes into various causes that might have led to this myth including details of small creatures that are commonly found in water supplies. Marina Del Rey-based dental center Elegant Dentistry in Los Angeles says that at least these inaccurate assumptions probably did encourage better dental hygiene. Yes, we now know tooth decay can be blamed on acid-producing bacteria that live in the mouths of all people, not just those who experience tooth decay. Even so, the tooth worms of old are gross but powerful metaphors for how dangerous dental caries can be at their worst.
Elegant Dentistry says that avoiding tooth decay is as simple as limiting sugary or starchy foods and practicing good dental habits. The dental group says that people should be regularly brushing their teeth after every meal for approximately two minutes. Moreover, people should make sure that they are reaching all surfaces of their teeth, not just the visible portions. The group notes that if only the visible portions are brushed regularly, brushers may be providing an opportunity for tooth decay to develop unchecked in those hard to reach spots and consequently may not realize there's a problem until it begins to spread. Elegant Dentistry adds that flossing and using a mouth rinse is likely to aid in reaching those often troublesome areas.
The dental group adds that another helpful tip that might seem counterintuitive is to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to begin brushing. In doing so, people are giving the enamel of their teeth time to re-mineralize into a hard surface that brushing won't damage. Conversely, the group says that if people brush their teeth immediately after eating, they may harm the enamel of their teeth, which is often softened by acids and sugars found in various foods and drinks. It's also a good idea to wait at least thirty minutes after brushing to consume most foods or drinks.
Unfortunately, even those who are most diligent with good dental habits are susceptible to tooth decay and other oral ailments, the group continues, noting that the other half of proper dental hygiene requires a dentist. Elegant Dentistry says that visiting a dentist for regular checkups can make a world of difference in one's oral health and can save a great deal of heartache and money over the long term. The center notes that dentists are trained to spot various maladies that are still in early development. So if a patient visits early enough, their dentist may be able to treat the potential ailment with such treatments as a filling or root canal before it has time to become serious, possibly saving a lot of time, pain, and money in the process.
Readers can learn more about Elegant Dentistry by visiting their website at https://elegantdentistry.net/ or by calling their office at 310-881-8676.
SOURCE Elegant Dentistry
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