Having healthy teeth means looking after their health your whole life. Even if someone has told you that you have beautiful teeth, it is important to do the right things every day to care for them and prevent health problems. This involves both using oral care products and being mindful of your daily habits.
1. Don't go to bed without brushing your teeth
It is no secret that the general recommendation is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But, brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that build up throughout the day.
2. Brush your teeth properly
The way we brush our teeth is just as important. Take your time, move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to tartar buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
3. Don't neglect the language
Plaques can also appear on the tongue. Not only can this lead to an unpleasant bad breath, but it can also cause other oral health problems. Brush your tongue gently every time you brush your teeth.
4. Use dental floss for brushing
Many who brush their teeth regularly neglect to floss. Flossing isn't just about getting rid of those tiny bits of Chinese takeout or broccoli that might get stuck between your teeth. It's a real way to stimulate your gums, reduce plaque, and help minimise inflammation in the area.
Using dental floss once a day is generally sufficient to reap these benefits.
5. Don't let the difficulties of using dental floss stop you
Using dental floss can be difficult, especially for young children and elderly adults with arthritis. Rather than giving up on flossing, look for devices that take over the role of dental floss. They clean even the most difficult spaces with ease and are simple to use.
6. Take it into consideration, mouthwash
There are many adverts that claim mouthwash is necessary for good oral health, but many people don’t use mouthwash because they don’t know how it works. Mouthwash helps in three ways: it reduces the amount of acid in your mouth, it cleans hard-to-reach areas between and around your gums, and it re-mineralises your teeth.
Mouthwash is like an auxiliary tool to help balance things. In the case of children and the elderly, and in situations where the ability to brush teeth and floss cannot be ideally achieved, mouthwash is particularly useful.
Consult your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and others for people with sensitive teeth. There are also prescription mouthwashes available.
7. Drink more water
Water continues to be the best drink for overall health, and this includes oral health. Also, as a general health rule, it is good to drink plain, clean drinking water after every meal. This habit can help reduce some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and drinks.
8. Eat hard fruit and vegetables
Ready to eat, food products are convenient, but probably not so much when it comes to teeth. Eat fresh, firm fruits and vegetables as they contain more healthy fibre and, at the same time, are the best choice for your teeth.
Limit sweet and acidic foods
Ultimately, sugar from the consumption of sweet and sugary foods turns into acids in the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel. These acids are what lead to tooth decay. Acidic fruits and coffee can also attack tooth enamel. You don't need to completely avoid these foods, but it's good to be mindful of them.
10. Schedule dental appointments at least twice a year
Your own daily habits are crucial for your overall oral health. However, even the most conscientious toothbrushers need to visit the dentist periodically.
The general recommendation is to see your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. Not only can a dentist remove tartar from your teeth, but they will also look to identify potential cavities and issues and offer treatment solutions.
Some health insurance companies even cover more frequent dental check-ups. If this is possible for you, it is good to take advantage of it. This is especially useful if you have a history of dental problems, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.
Bibliography
Seal out tooth decay. (2012, August). Retrieved from http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/SealOutToothDecay.htm
Taking care of your teeth and mouth. (2015, 27 January). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth