Dental Care – 10 Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy
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- Infected
- Swollen
- Tender
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to avoid dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Educating children about the significance of brushing and flossing regularly is important to promote healthy teeth and gums.
How To Maintain Healthy Teeth
Knowing that you have an issue with your teeth isn’t enough you also have to know the various ways of maintaining healthy teeth, so that’s why we will be listing some of the ways for you. They include the following:
1. Don’t Go To Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth
It is widely known that brushing your teeth at least twice a day is advisable. However, many people still fail to brush their teeth at night. Brushing your teeth before going to bed eliminates the bacteria and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day.
2. Brush Properly
The manner in which you brush your teeth is just as crucial as the frequency of brushing. In fact, brushing your teeth poorly is almost as detrimental as not brushing at all. It is essential to take adequate time to brush your teeth using gentle, circular strokes to eliminate plaque.
If plaque is not removed, it can harden, leading to the formation of calculus and early gum disease, also known as gingivitis.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
The accumulation of plaque can also occur on your tongue, causing unpleasant breath and additional oral health issues. It is advisable to include gentle tongue brushing in your dental routine each time you brush your teeth to prevent these problems.
4. Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
Toothpaste should be chosen based on more important factors than its whitening ability and flavour. Regardless of the type of toothpaste you prefer, it is crucial to ensure that it contains fluoride.
Some people have raised concerns about the effects of fluoride on overall health, but it remains a crucial element in maintaining good oral health. Fluoride is an effective defence against tooth decay as it fights against harmful bacteria and creates a protective layer for your teeth.
5. Treat Flossing As Important As Brushing
Often, people who brush their teeth regularly tend to overlook the importance of flossing. According to Jonathan Schwartz, DDS, flossing is not just about removing food particles or other debris stuck between your teeth.
It also helps stimulate the gums, reduce plaque buildup, and minimise inflammation in that area. Hence, flossing once a day can provide these benefits.
6. Don’t Let Flossing Difficulties Stop You
Flossing may pose a challenge, particularly for individuals with arthritis or young children. However, consider exploring options that can aid flossing instead of abandoning the practice. Dental flossers that are readily available at drugstores can be a game-changer.
7. Drink More Water
According to Schwartz, water remains the most beneficial drink for maintaining good health, including oral health. It is advisable to consume water after every meal as a general principle.
This can help eliminate some detrimental consequences of consuming sticky and acidic foods and drinks, which can linger in the mouth even after brushing.
8. Eat Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables
Prepared meals are easy to consume but may not be the best option for your dental health. Opting for fresh, crispy fruits and vegetables provides more beneficial fibre and is the optimal choice for your teeth.
9. Limit Sugary And Acidic Foods
In the end, sugar transforms into acid in the oral cavity, which can gradually dissolve your tooth enamel. This acid is the primary cause of cavities. Moreover, acidic beverages like tea, coffee, and fruits can damage your teeth’s protective layer.
Although it’s not necessary to eliminate such food items from your diet, it’s advisable to be cautious of their consumption.
10. See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year
Maintaining good oral health relies heavily on your daily habits. However, even if you are diligent with brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist regularly is crucial. You should schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year to ensure optimal oral health.
During these visits, your dentist can remove tartar buildup, check for cavities, and identify potential problems before they worsen. Some dental insurance plans cover more frequent dental visits, and if you have a history of dental problems like gingivitis or cavities, taking advantage of this benefit can be especially beneficial.
Conclusion
After going through all the following, we must always take care of our dental health before it deteriorates. Just like the various parts of our body, we must also take care of our teeth in order to ensure overall health.
