Poor Hair Health: What it Means For Your Oral Well-Being

Is hair falling out becoming a problem for you? New research shows that maybe it's time you start paying attention to the health of your mouth.

A new study that was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that problems with hair might also be directly linked to increasing risks of tooth decay. Keratins, the same protein that's needed for healthy hair is also the same protein that's required for healthy teeth enamel.

During the study, data tested from the genes and oral cavities of both children and adults showed that individuals that suffered from hair-related disorders were also likely to suffer from dental decay. The link appears to be a mutation in the keratin protein, which in turn caused a majority of the problems with these individuals.

Known for being the hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel gives teeth the resilience needed to endure all of the biting, chewing, and grinding that occurs on a daily basis. Without tooth enamel, the teeth are open to all sorts of risks such as cavities, wear, and other forms of decay. Researchers agree that the keratin protein is essential in providing strength to both hair shafts and dental enamel. If there is a weakness in enamel, extra steps are needed to protect oral health.

These 10 tips can help you stop dental cavities

Use Mouth rinse

A fantastic way to reduce plaque is using a mouth rinse which has an antimicrobial solution in it. Using mouth rinse after brushing or eating is a fast and easy to further prevent against bacteria accumulating on the teeth.

Dental sealants

A sealant is an artificial coating that is place on the surfaces of teeth that connect with one another during chewing. The benefits of sealants are two-fold: they prevent additional wear and also shield the tooth from bacteria which may enter into the tooth and cause decay.

Regulate sugar and acid

Drinks such as fruit juice, soda, and energy drinks contain both sugar and various acids; both components are known for slowly eroding away tooth enamel and causing decay.

Chew gum

This may be difficult to believe, but chomping on a piece of gum makes an incredible difference in the overall health of the mouth. The American Dental Association states that the increased saliva in the mouth of a gum chewer prevents bacteria from staying on teeth.

Frequent brushing

Using a fluoride-based toothpaste to effectively scrub away plaque and other bacteria on the tooth is essential to oral health. It's recommended that a person brush at least twice a day, or after meals.

Floss

Often overlooked, flossing is one of the most important ways to maintain oral cleanliness. Food and other debris can easily be caught between teeth, and after time this can become a breeding ground for bacteria that will erode teeth.

Consume and rinse with water

A healthy amount of water not only has profoundly beneficial effects on the body, but it also helps keep the mouth hydrated. When water flows through the mouth, bacteria has a difficult time staying where it needs to in order to create tooth decay.

Eat healthy

The vitamins and other healthy elements of nutritious food have a huge role in oral health. Additionally, healthier foods tend to have less carbohydrates, which are known for sticking to the teeth and causing decay.

Visit a dentist

A dentist, like the ones at Affordable Dental Health Providers, are professionals that can detect early cavities before they overwhelm a tooth. The dentist also has the tools, medications, and knowledge to prevent cavities before they start.

This article was originally published on ADHP's editorials section. It is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an in-person examination. If you have symptoms, book an appointment or call (562) 923-0038.