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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 28, 2014 5:55 PM IST
Are you experiencing hair fall problems recently? May be you should pay more attention to your oral health.
According to a study that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, hair problems could increase risk of dental decay. Researchers suggested that keratins, proteins required for strong hair, are extremely important for healthy tooth enamel.
The study examined genetic and intra-oral data from 386 children and 706 adults. The results showed that participants with hair disorder-associated polymorphisms in the gene encoding the protein keratin 75 (KRT75), KRT75A161T and KRT75E337K, were prone dental decay, indicating that a functional keratin network is required for the mechanical stability of tooth enamel. In simpler words, those having with mutations in the genes coding for the protein keratin are prone to cavities.
The researchers found that tooth enamel from individuals with keratin mutations had abnormal structure that resulted in weakness. 'Our results identify a genetic locus that influences enamel structure and establishes a connection between hair disorders and susceptibility to dental caries,' said Maria Morasso from National Institutes of Health in the US. (Read: Understanding how decay destroys your teeth)
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and has a unique combination of hardness and fracture toughness that protects teeth from dental caries, the most common chronic disease worldwide. 'Epithelial hair keratins, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sheaths that support the hair shaft, are expressed in the enamel organ and are essential organic components of mature enamel,' the researchers said. (Read: 10 signs of dental cavities you didn t know about)
Here are 10 ways you can prevent dental cavities
Brush and floss daily
Preventive measures to any oral health problem begin with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss once or twice a day preferably after dinner. Flossing removes plaque from areas that the toothbrush can t reach i.e. between your teeth and under the gum line.
Drink water or rinse mouth with water after eating
You can t brush every time you eat. But you sure can drink water or at least rinse your mouth with water every time you do so. Water neutralises the effects of acidic and sugary foods. Rinsing removes food particles left behind on/ between the teeth.
Eat a healthy balanced diet
A healthy balanced diet is a solution to most of our health problems. A diet high in refined carbohydrates like breads, biscuits, etc. puts you at a risk of tooth decay. Avoid sticky foods such as candies, etc. which get stuck in the pits and grooves of your teeth. Sweets and chocolates are not the only ones with sugar. Beware of hidden sugars in food which also could cause tooth decay. Increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. They remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and gums. Read more about 10 ways you can prevent dental cavities
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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