Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
06/05/2016
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
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BBC BRASIL.com
They say that the smile is like a letter. What many do not know is that many everyday habits can have an impact on our oral health - and threaten the appearance of the smile.
Photo: iStock / BBCBrasil.com
Tooth enamel is the hardest part of our body and the only real protection that the teeth have from external attacks, mainly from the plaque, so preserving it is essential to maintain oral health.
Smoking is definitely one of the worst habits to it - and to our body in general - but there are many others. Next, the specialist in preventive and community dentistry Juan Carlos Llondra Calvo of the University of Granada in Spain, explains what they are and their effects on the teeth.
1. Brush your teeth immediately after eating
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From small, we learned that we should brush your teeth after eating, preferably after a meal. But why?
The recommendation is due to the fact that some foods, like chips, citrus juices, carbonated and alcoholic drinks are acidic. "The problem is that the enamel immediately begins to lose calcium, leaving the less rigid tooth brushing and only makes the situation worse," said Calvo.
The expert recommends waiting 20 to 30 minutes to brush their teeth, which gives time for the acid to be neutralized and the calcium is dissolved in saliva again to hold the enamel.
The same goes for vomiting. Although vomit let a feel and taste very bad in the mouth, it is best not clean teeth immediately. But if not very acidic foods were eaten, Calvo recommends brushing them as soon as you finish eating.
2. Nail biting
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Many people have the habit of nail biting. Besides not being toilet - and eventually cause sores on the fingers - this custom may be much too bad for oral health.
According to Calvo, the bacteria in the nails can cause infections in the digestive system and mouth.
3. Swimming in the pool
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The pools are usually treated with a large amount of chlorine to help maintain its pH, and this can be damaging to tooth enamel people swimming in them.
However, no need to get too alarmed since, according to Calvo, it affects more people who spend five to six hours a day on the water.
In these cases, the expert recommends brushing your teeth with a paste with fluoride and make a mouth rinse with fluoride once a week.
4. Using your teeth as tools
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"What is forbidden is to use your teeth as tools," says the dentist. It refers to habits such as, for example, uncapping bottles, jars and cardboard or paper packaging, which can wear and break the teeth.
And although it seems to be less harmful, it is not recommended to use the teeth to cut wires. Calvo explains that this action may generate cracks invisible to the naked eye, then you can allow tooth fracture even with minimal impact.
5. Chewing ice cubes
Photo: iStock / BBCBrasil.com
Who has the habit of chewing ice cubes left in the glass of a drink must also review this habit, according to the dentist.
Doing so often or chew too much ice at once can fracture teeth or generate cracks. Calvo points out that the risk is even greater for those who have implants or crowns in the arcade.
6. The way you brush your teeth
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What is better: horizontal, vertical or circular movements? We use a manual or electric toothbrush? "No matter, since it is always the same and for at least two minutes," says Calvo.
The ideal method is to divide the mouth into four parts, says the dentist, and first clean the top left, then right. Then, the bottom left and finally the right. Should take half a minute each region, the gum to the tooth, not to hurt the gums.
It is also important to make smooth movements, as if they are very strong, can cause an abrasion of the teeth, especially when using a manual brush, because the electric has a pressure control.
The expert also recommended to change toothbrushes every three months or sooner if the bristles are deformed, which prevents a good cleaning, and do not forget to brush your tongue, which absorbs bacteria like a sponge and then spread them when goes the whistle.
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.