The Truth behind the Tooth

Brushing, flossing, and two yearly dental check-ups are believed to be standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know.

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Mothers-to-be do not realise that what they eat affects the dental development of the foetus. The baby is then more likely to suffer from tooth decay. Some data suggests that a lack of vitamins B6 and B12 could result in a cleft lip or cleft palate. Other oral problems can lead to growth problems or obesity. Carole Palmer a professor of Dental Medicine, says “If a child’s mouth hurts due to decay, he or she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew, but less nutritious”.

Myth 2: More sugar equals more tooth decay

In actual fact the amount of sugar is not the problem, but the amount of time it spends in contact with your teeth. “Foods such as slow-dissolving candies and sodas are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars”, Palmer says.

Myth 3: Losing baby teeth to tooth decay is okay

Tooth decay in babies, although the baby teeth fall out eventually, causes permanent damage to the developing crowns of the permanent teeth developing below them. And, if baby teeth are lost prematurely – likely as a result of decay – their permanent teeth might grow in a “wrong” position, which would require orthodontics later on.

Myth 4: Osteoporosis only affects the spine and hips

Tooth loss is also caused by Osteoporosis, because the jaw bone holds the teeth. This facial bone can also be affected by Osteoporosis. Palmer says “the jaw can also suffer the consequences of a diet lacking essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and K”.

Myth 5: Dentures improve a person’s diet

If dentures are not fitted properly, poorer food choices are made, because people opt for foods that are easier to chew. If eating causes discomfort they should rather opt for nutritious foods that are easy to chew such as cooked vegetables instead of raw vegetables, or ground beef as an alternative to steak.

Myth 6: Dental decay is only a young person’s problem

Frequently, in adults and the elderly, regular use of antidepressants or diuretics, antihistamines or sedatives, increases the risk of tooth decay and receding gums also cause quite a problem. The constant use of drugs causes a lack of saliva, so the mouth isn’t cleansed as often. Health problems in older people can also affect their oral health, more so than in younger people.

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