Did you know your orthodontics are bones?
The holiday season has just ended and your refrigerator must be full of greeting cards with pictures of your family and friends sporting bright smiles. If you missed out on sending a happy family photograph this season because you’re embarrassed about the condition of your orthodontics, then it’s time to take some action.
Many people might not know this, but there is a close connection between bone health and healthy orthodontics. Although technically speaking orthodontics are not really bones, but they are supported and anchored by the bone in the jaw and weakening of the jaw bone can lead to tooth loss. As the density of bone supporting orthodontics decreases, they can lose their solid foundation and may fall out.
As we become older, our bones become less dense and this may lead to tooth loss. Besides age, the other factors that can weaken bones in the jaw leading to tooth loss are:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss in people over 35 years. Your orthodontics and gums become more prone to dental plaque and infections if you don’t keep them clean. The bacteria in the plaque lead to infection, which in turn leads to weakening of supporting bones and tooth loss.
Tooth Decay: Also known as dental cavities, tooth decay happens when bacteria formed by plaque produce acids that damage orthodontics. Tooth decay is also believed to trigger bone loss in the jaw leading to tooth loss.
The Tooth and Bone Story
It’s evident that keeping our bones healthy is one way of maintaining dental health. After all, aren’t we all encouraged to have food rich in calcium and Vitamin D from childhood for healthier bones and orthodontics? Minerals such as Magnesium, Copper, and Zinc are also believed to support healthy bones and orthodontics. Another mineral that is vital for healthy bone and orthodontics is strontium.
These nutrients can be supplied to the body through a variety of bone vitamins and strontium supplements available at your local supermarket or through online outlets. How else do you take care of your orthodontics? The answer is simple – by maintaining proper dental and oral hygiene. Some checks to keep in mind are:
Brush your orthodontics: Brushing your orthodontics at least twice a day if not after every meal with a toothpaste containing fluoride removes plaque that can lead to tooth decay. Brushing also keeps your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and change it after every two to three months. Flossing after brushing also helps remove plaque and food particles from between your orthodontics and along the gums.
Limit sugar intake: Excessive consumption of sugar laden foods can lead to dental cavities as bacteria in the mouth convert the sugar to acids. Therefore, limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods. Whenever you do eat this type of food, don’t let it stay in contact with your orthodontics for too long. Remember to brush your orthodontics after consuming anything sweet, starchy, or acidic.
Proper diet: Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your meals. Instead of binging on things like chocolates and soda when you’re hungry, snack on healthier options like yogurt, cheese, apples, or nuts like almond and walnuts.
Dentist visit: Schedule an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist will not only be able to detect early signs of tooth or gum decay, but also advise you on how to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Bone Vitamins – For Healthier orthodontics
Bone vitamins consist of ingredients essential for healthy bone and orthodontics. Most bone vitamins have Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K all of which support not just healthy bones, but also orthodontics.