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To put it bluntly, a toothache is really a "pain to the depths of the soul" experience. It's not like a cold that can be carried, a headache can be endured, and the stinging pain and helplessness of a toothache can make people give up all stubbornness in an instant. Not to mention those friends who have to choose "dental implants" because of dental problems. Dental implants, which sound simple, are actually more complicated than you can imagine.
The process is costly, time-consuming, and most importantly – it's really scary! So, today let's talk about this: why do you have to protect your teeth? What is it like to get a dental implant? and how to use scientific methods to maintain your oral health.
Teeth are a "non-renewable resource"
You may not realize it, but teeth are one of the most "delicate" parts of our body. It's not like skin, it can grow when it's broken; It's not like hair, it can regrow if it falls out. Adults only have 28~32 teeth (including wisdom teeth) in their lifetime, and each one is a "limited edition". Once it is broken and lost, it is basically impossible to have an "original tooth".
Many people think that if a tooth is broken, it can be repaired, and if it is lost, it can be planted, and it is not a big deal. But you know what? Although dental implants are the "ceiling" of current dental restoration technology, they are far inferior to our own natural teeth. To put it bluntly, dental implants are "nailed" in your alveolar bone and then fitted with a "denture". Although it is similar in appearance to real teeth, in terms of comfort, chewing ability, and longevity, dental implants cannot be compared with real teeth.
Moreover, dental implants are not "you can plant if you want to". Your alveolar bone condition and oral health status can be a "roadblock" for dental implants. Some people have severe alveolar bone atrophy and even need to undergo "bone grafting surgery" before they can get dental implants. Hearing this, are you already starting to feel a chill in your back?
How painful are dental implants? Listen to the voices of those who have come before
Many people who have experienced dental implants describe the process in four words: "physically and mentally exhausted". The entire dental implant process usually takes several months or even a year and includes multiple steps such as tooth extraction (if there is a bad tooth), bone grafting (if there is insufficient alveolar bone), implant placement, and crown installation. Each step can be accompanied by pain and discomfort.
Some people describe the feeling of a dental implant as "punching a hole in the bone", while others say that the feeling of soreness makes you doubt your life. Not to mention, after surgery, you need to take strict care, eating and brushing your teeth carefully. If you don't pay attention, you can get infected or the implant loosens.
The most heart-wrenching thing is that dental implants are particularly expensive. Depending on the region and hospital, the cost of a dental implant can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. If a bone graft is needed, the price will be higher. In other words, a tooth can be equivalent to the price of a car.
So, if you still have the luck mentality of "it's a big deal to plant a broken tooth", you really have to revisit. Dental implants are not a "life-saving straw", but a last resort.
How many of those "invisible killers" who destroyed their teeth did you hit?
Having said all that, you might be thinking: my teeth are fine now, why worry? But in fact, a lot of bad habits that seem innocuous are ruining your dental health little by little. Let's see how many of them you've won?
1. Love carbonated drinks
The acids in carbonated drinks slowly corrode tooth enamel. If you drink it for a long time, the surface of your teeth will become rough, and even "acid erosion" will appear. If you don't rinse your mouth or brush your teeth in time after every drink, your teeth will "lose your defenses".
2. Use your teeth as tools
Biting the cap and tearing the bag with your teeth may seem convenient, but it will cause irreversible damage to your teeth. Teeth are not a universal tool, and using them to do these things is simply "tyrannical".
3. Lack of attention to tooth decay
The initial symptoms of tooth decay may be just small black spots on the surface of the teeth, but if left unchecked, tooth decay can gradually progress to pulpitis, apical periodontitis, and even tooth loss. Early detection and early treatment are always the key to protecting your teeth.
4. Improper brushing of teeth
Brushing your teeth is not "the harder the better", nor is it "the longer you brush, the cleaner you get". Not only does the wrong brushing not only fail to clean properly, but it can also damage the gums and tooth surface. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use the "pasteurization method" – tilt the toothbrush at 45 degrees and gently brush the gum-tooth junction.
5. Staying up late and stressing
Don't think that teeth have nothing to do with staying up late. Staying up late for a long time and being stressed can lead to a decrease in the body's immunity and increase the risk of gingivitis and mouth ulcers. In addition, some people also experience "night grinding" due to stress, which leads to excessive wear and tear on their teeth.
How to keep your teeth as a "healthy line of defense"?
Since teeth are so important, how can we protect them? In fact, it is not difficult to do the following:
1. Have regular dental check-ups
Dental check-ups are done once a year to detect and treat dental problems in a timely manner. Oral health, like the foundation of a house, can only be safely maintained if it is maintained regularly.
2. Learn to brush your teeth properly
Brush your teeth every morning and evening, rinse your mouth after meals, and use fluoride toothpaste to effectively prevent tooth decay. Don't forget to change your toothbrush every three months.
3. Pay attention to your eating habits
Eat less sweets and overly sticky foods, and eat more calcium-rich foods, such as milk, soy products, etc.; Chewing on crude fiber foods, such as apples and carrots, can help clean the surface of your teeth.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol not only have an irritating effect on the oral mucosa, but also increase the risk of periodontal disease and oral cancer. For the sake of dental health, try to avoid these "minefields".
5. Floss
Many people think that brushing their teeth is enough, but in fact, it is difficult for a toothbrush to clean up the residue between the teeth. Flossing daily can be effective in preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease.
A final piece of advice: your teeth only get one chance
Dental health is not only about the "little thing" of eating, but also has a direct impact on the health of the whole body. Studies have shown that periodontal disease is closely associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. So, stop "turning a blind eye" to dental problems.
If you haven't started to take your teeth seriously, then I just want to ask you one more question: how happy are you when you're old and can still eat a hot meal with your teeth, you know?
Bibliography:
World Health Organization (WHO): Oral Health Report
Chinese Stomatological Association: Oral Health and Prevention
The Lancet: A Study of Periodontal Disease and Whole Body Health
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: "Healthy Teeth Action Guide"