For healthy teeth, it is essential to adopt good habits, and you should follow them daily. Not taking care of your oral health can lead to the build of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can destroy the tooth enamel, the protective layer on the teeth surface. It can lead to gingivitis (gum disease) and cavities (holes in the teeth). If plaque develops under the gums on the tooth roots, it can even damage the bones that support the teeth. It is therefore essential to have good dental health. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to keep your teeth healthy. Here are some tips to help you:
Brush Regularly
The most effective way of removing plaque and food particles from your teeth is to brush them well. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Brush in the morning and before sleeping so the bacteria can not feed on any food particles left in the mouth. Using the right toothbrush is also important. It is more comfortable and safer to use one with soft bristles, which are more gentle on your teeth and gums. Hard bristled toothbrushes can damage the gums and the tooth enamel, causing pain and bleeding. A toothbrush with a smaller head also makes cleaning your teeth easier as it can clean harder-to-reach areas. As well as focusing on brushing your front and side teeth, take time to clean the back teeth too. These areas often get neglected and give you a higher risk of developing cavities.
Do Not Forget to Floss!
Most of us brush our teeth regularly but choose not to floss. However, flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing them. If you do not floss, plaque can form between your teeth. Over time, it can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Floss at least once a day. Dentists recommend you floss before brushing your teeth. This way, flossing loosens any plaque and food debris between your teeth. The brushing movement then aids in removing and washing away the plaque and debris from your mouth. Avoid being aggressive when you floss. It can damage your gums, causing them to bleed. Instead, put the floss firmly between the teeth and gently scrape the sides.
Floss is an effective and low-cost tool you should use daily as part of your dental routine. In addition to keeping your teeth clean, flossing also helps prevent gum disease and bad breath. If you do not floss regularly, it is never too late. So, do not worry! If you are new to flossing, you may bleed a bit. If you still get bleeding after a few days of regular flossing, visit your dentist to see if you are using the correct technique. If there is still some difficulty, the dentist may suggest other tools to clean between the teeth.
Limit Sugary and Carbohydrate Foods
Plaque feeds on foods and drinks containing sugar. The plaque converts the sugar into acid, which causes cavities. The same goes for foods containing carbohydrates because they consist of sugars in other forms. Foods containing carbohydrates include bread, pasta, rice, cereals, and potatoes. So, to keep your teeth healthy, avoid or limit sugary or carbohydrate foods from your diet. Look out for hidden sugars in packaged foods. Manufacturers may try to sell their products as healthy when it is not. Even if the product states no added sugar, it may still contain sugars in other forms. Check the values on the carbohydrate list. If you crave sweet foods, use sweeteners instead. Safe options include xylitol, stevia, and erythritol. Most fruits also contain natural sugars. However, eating fruits is still recommended because it has many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The sugar content in fruits is also low compared to those found in packaged foods.
Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks have a pH of less than 7. Regular consumption can erode and wear away the tooth enamel. Over time, it can expose the inner layer of your teeth, causing a lot of pain. Avoid or limit the consumption of acidic foods and beverages to maintain healthy teeth. Acidic foods and drinks include citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemon, grapefruits, fruit juice, and fizzy drinks. If you do choose to consume it, do so at mealtimes. If you drink acidic beverages, drink through a straw so that it ends towards the back of the mouth. Thus, the drink will have less contact with your teeth.
Snack Wisely
Have fewer snacks during the day. Choose foods that do not contain sugar. Hard fruits and vegetables brush off plaque from the teeth. Choose carrots, apples, and celery as a snack. Other healthy snacks include yogurt, cheese, nuts, and breadsticks. Avoid sweets or sticky foods between meals, such as raisins and other dried fruits.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
For healthy teeth, it is better to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. Cigars, pipes, and cigarettes can lead to many health and dental problems. It can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco is also harmful to your teeth. It can damage the gum tissue, exposing the teeth’s roots. Tobacco can therefore increase the risk of tooth decay. Tobacco usually contains sugar to enhance the taste. It is further damaging to the teeth. Long-term smokers also develop yellow stains on their teeth. This discoloration is difficult to reverse.
Alcohol is also damaging to your teeth. It is acidic and contains sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay and erosion. Alcohol also reduces saliva production, which increases the risk of plaque building up.
Dentist Visits
Visit your dentist every six months. Even if you are taking good care of your teeth, you may not be able to clean harder-to-reach areas around your teeth. It can lead to the build-up of plaque, which the dentist can remove. If not removed, plaque can turn into tartar which forms on the teeth and gums. It can lead to cavities and gum disease. Regular dental visits can therefore prevent any potential problems from occurring.