Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if youβve been told that you have nice teeth, itβs crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.
1. Brush your teeth before going to bed.
It’s no secret that brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended. Despite this, many of us continue to clean our teeth at night. Brushing before bed, on the other hand, removes bacteria and plaque that have accumulated during the day.
2. Brush your teeth thoroughly.
Brushing your teeth properly is just as important as brushing them at all. To Eli
minute plaque, take your time and move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions. Plaque that is not removed might harden, causing calculus and gingivitis (early gum disease).
3. Don’t forget about your tongue.
Plaque can also accumulate on the tongue. Not only may this cause bad breath, but it can also cause other oral health issues. Brush your tongue gently after brushing your teeth.
4. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
There are more crucial aspects to look for in toothpaste than whitening power and flavors. Make sure it contains fluoride, regardless of the form you choose.
While fluoride has come under fire from individuals concerned about its effects on other parts of the body, it is still an important component of dental health. This is due to the fact that fluoride is a powerful anti-cavity agent. It works by battling bacteria that cause decay and acting as a barrier between your teeth and the germs that cause it.
5. Flossing is just as necessary as brushing.
Many people who brush on a regular basis forget to floss. As Jonathan Schwartz, DDS, points out, flossing isn’t simply for getting rid of small bits of food or veggies stuck between your teeth. “It’s a way to stimulate the gums, eliminate plaque, and assist reduce inflammation in the area,” says the dentist.
6. Take into account mouthwash.
Mouthwash appears to be required for good dental health in advertisements, yet many individuals don’t use it because they don’t understand how it works. Mouthwash, according to Schwartz, benefits the mouth in three ways: it decreases acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and remineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes can be used as a supplement to help put things back into equilibrium,” he says. “I believe that mouthwash is especially beneficial in children and the elderly, where brushing and flossing may be difficult.”
7. Increase your water intake.
Water is the finest beverage for overall health, as well as oral health. Schwartz also suggests drinking water after each meal as a general guideline. In between brushing, this can help wash away some of the unpleasant effects of sticky and acidic meals and beverages.
8. Consume a variety of crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but they might not be so good for your teeth. Fresh, crisp food is not only higher in healthful fiber, but it is also better for your teeth. “At a young age, I advise parents to introduce their children to harder-to-eat and chew foods,” says Schwartz. “So stay away from highly processed foods, stop putting things into little bits, and get those jaws moving!”
9. Keep sugary and acidic foods to a minimum.
Sugar eventually breaks down into acid in the mouth, which erodes the enamel of your teeth. Cavities are caused by these acids. Teeth enamel can be eroded by acidic fruits, drinks, and coffee. While you don’t have to completely avoid certain meals, it’s always a good idea to be cautious.