One of the things that people can tell about you is your smile. Hence, you must take care of this essential part of your face. Having white teeth is not the only thing when it comes to dental health. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you are building self-confidence and enhancing your overall health. With these easy steps, you will be able to maintain your teeth healthy and looking healthy for years to come.
1. Brush Properly
The first and most basic tip on dental health is brushing your teeth. At least twice a day, you need to brush your teeth, in the morning and before going to bed, with a soft-bristle toothbrush and absorbent toothpaste (fluoride). The toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle towards your gums and used in circular motions with minimum force. Brush gently, but avoid brushing too hard because this may ruin your gums and enamel. Taking two or more minutes to clean your teeth ensures that all sides of your teeth, including the molars that are normally skipped, are thoroughly cleaned.
2. Floss Every Day
Flossing is equally essential to brushing since it removes food and plaque between your teeth, which a toothbrush cannot access. Without flossing, such rarely accessible areas are prone to the development of bacteria, which eventually causes gum disease and dental caries. Brushing your teeth before going to bed is the most appropriate time to floss because your mouth will be clean throughout the night. Apply soft, in and out movements and wrap the floss around the teeth. Use floss picks or a water flosser instead of the regular floss for an easy experience.
3. Eat A Tooth-Friendly Diet
The food you consume has a tremendous effect on your oral health. Sugary foods such as candy, soda, and sugary snacks are favorite foods of bacteria that lead to the development of dental caries. Instead, opt to eat tooth-friendly foods, including solid fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt and nuts. Such foods assist in cleaning the teeth and increasing saliva production, and they give minerals to strengthen the enamel. Consuming enough water would also thoroughly clean the food elements and normal bacteria that may be present in the mouth. This would ensure that your mouth stays fresh throughout the day.
4. Visit Your Dentist Often
Regular checkups and cleaning should be done every six months, even when your teeth are feeling good, with your dentist. The dentists are able to monitor early symptoms of illness such as cavities, gum disease and oral cancer even before they develop into something worse. Professional cleanings take away plaque and tartar that cannot be taken care of with brushing and flossing alone. When your dentist suggests other remedies, such as fluoride treatment or sealings, take the advice as they can take care of your teeth even more.
5. Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, one of the most effective solutions to restore your smile is through dental implants, which help preserve oral health. A dental implant is a small titanium rod pushed into the jawbone, then fitted with a crown, which serves as the substitute root to your missing tooth.
In some cases, where your teeth are severely impaired, it may lead to cavities, gum disease and infection of adjacent teeth. In this case, your dentist may recommend getting dental implants. In my case, I opted to get dental implants done in Fort Worth for my broken teeth after realizing it’s becoming sore and difficult to bite. The implants not only gave me my life back but also helped me smile again with confidence.
6. Safeguard Your Teeth
Chipping, cracking, and gradual wearing down of your teeth is possible even with strong teeth. Avoid chewing on hard things such as ice, pen caps, and fingernails because you risk damaging your enamel. Contact sports players should wear a mouthguard to cushion their teeth against accidents. During the night, grinding your teeth may also lead to damage. Thus, if you experience jaw pain or worn teeth, discuss the night guard with your dentist.
7. Give Up Bad Habits
Some habits carry the risk of severely harming your teeth and gums. For example, tobacco smoking and chewing may stain your teeth, lead to gum disease and expose you to oral cancer. Excessive alcohol or the consumption of acidic beverages like soda or sports drinks can cause the weakening of your enamel. Habits such as snacking all the time can also lead to tooth damage because the bacteria will be provided with constant sugary snacks to feed on. Eliminating these habits can significantly improve your dental health.
