Mouth and Teeth: How to Keep Them Healthy
How do you keep your teeth healthy? Although it seems as simple as brushing and flossing regularly, many people find it challenging to maintain proper oral health.
Keeping healthy teeth requires a lifetime of care. Using the right products and observing the recommended habits is vital. Read on to discover how to take care of your teeth.
Brush Your Teeth Before Sleeping
Brushing your teeth twice daily isn’t useful if you are doing it at the wrong times. For instance, it doesn’t make sense to brush your teeth after breakfast and in the afternoon. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after your first meal and after your last meal, before you sleep. Brushing your teeth before bedtime eliminates the harmful bacteria and plaque that build up during the day.
Visit Dentists Regularly
Regardless of how dutifully you adhere to your oral care habits, you must see the dentist once every six months. Dentists have the equipment and experience needed to deal with potential issues before they become severe. It’s worth noting that individuals with underlying conditions and older persons might have to visit more often. The Family Dentistry in Greensboro, NC is always available to provide quality dental services for the whole family. Also, don’t forget to teach your children the importance of proper oral hygiene from a young age.
Brush Properly
Using poor brushing techniques is as bad as failing to brush them. Use gentle, circular motions to remove the food particles stuck between your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as it can often be the cause of bad breath.
More importantly, use the right oral care equipment. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes because they make the process painful. Ensure that you buy a new toothbrush every three months before the bristles wear out.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a fluorine product, a naturally occurring element found in soil. It lowers the risk of developing cavities, which is why it’s an integral component of many toothpaste brands. Despite its benefits, some people avoid using products that contain fluoride. Such individuals are at increased risk of suffering tooth decay, even if they observe other oral hygiene practices.
Besides toothpaste, it’s advisable to drink water that contains fluoride. That said, most bottled water doesn’t include it.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking weakens your overall immunity. Consequently, your wounds heal slower, including oral complications. This is why smokers take longer to recover after undergoing dental procedures.
Additionally, smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. The by-products of tobacco also cause teeth discolouration and bad breath.
Eat Healthily
Your diet significantly impacts your oral health. You increase the risk of developing complications if you often eat sugary foods and drinks. On the other hand, beverages like tea and coffee can stain and discolour your teeth.
Eating healthy foods such as vegetables and fibres is the best way to keep your teeth strong. It also helps to drink a lot of water, as it removes the food particles stuck between your teeth and dilutes the acid-producing bacteria. If you must eat sugary foods, keep them below 10% of your recommended calorie intake.
Use Mouthwash
Many people overlook using mouthwashes because they don’t understand their usefulness. These solutions clean hard-to-reach areas around your gums and reduce acidity in the mouth. More importantly, they contain minerals that strengthen your teeth.
Final Words
Ultimately, your regular habits determine the overall health of your teeth. Ensure that you keep your mouth clean, avoid smoking and try to keep away from sugary foods.
