6 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

A stunning smile is one of the most attractive features we can have. Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you protect your oral health with good hygiene practices, you can keep your beautiful smile for a lifetime.

Best Practices for Healthy Teeth

Brush Twice a Day, with a Proper Technique

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. However using the proper technique is crucial. When you brush too hard, you can damage the outer layer of the teeth that leads to sensitive teeth and receding gums. Gently brush back and forth, using a rolling motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if you see that it’s necessary.

Floss Once a Day or Use a Toothpick

Removing plaque and bacteria from between the teeth is critical for maintaining good oral health. Debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth can cause bad breath, and plaque buildup may lead to tooth decay and gum disease. For the gaps where a toothbrush is unable to reach flossing can be the solution.

If your teeth are tightly packed together you may find floss difficult to use. To avoid gum injury, don’t force floss into tight spaces. Just wiggle the floss through the area in a gently, sawing motion. Instead of floss, your oral hygienist may recommend toothpicks for you. A thin stick of wood or bamboo, with two pointed ends removes the plaque effectively. Place the toothpick between the teeth and make a few gentle, vertical back and forth movements.

See a Dentist Regularly

Your dental professional can help a lot with the preservation of your teeth. The longer you wait to visit the dentist, the more problems you can run into. Regular check for visual signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues are crucial to early detection. Your dentist will suggest how often you should go for a check-up. The frequency is often based on how good your oral health is.

Do not Smoke

While smoking increases risk for countless health conditions, it also makes difficult for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth. Patients who smoke may experience slow healing after a dental procedure. It can also worsen or prolong the symptoms of oral conditions.

Smoking affects the appearance of the mouth as well. It can stain teeth, may lead to yellow tongue and to bad breath.

Drink Enough Water

Staying hydrated is necessary for your overall health. Dehydration can cause damage to the body. It occurs when you aren't drinking enough water to replace what you have lost. Can it also affect the health of your teeth and gums? 

It obviously can. Drinking water actually strengthens the tooth enamel while increasing your volume of saliva. Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy by decreasing the risk of dry mouth and dental disease.Healthy salvia washes away food debris and bacteria from your teeth and gums and neutralises bacterial acids. Staying hydrated is also the key to fresh breath!

Limit Sugary Foods and Starches

Eating a well-balanced and overall healthier diet means a happier body and a more comfortable you. Increased fibre intake, less sugary and starchy foods will please your teeth too. 

Most people know that consuming sugar can lead to cavities. It is scientifically proven that starchy foods can cause tooth decay. These foods linger in the mouth and break down into simple sugars that feeds acid-producing bacteria. This acid can damage your teeth. However studies continue to highlight the notable role that sugar plays in adverse dental health outcomes. Eat plenty of fibre rich fruits and vegetables and try to avoid added sugar. 

Good oral health helps you enjoy life. Using the right oral hygiene practices can make a big difference in the longevity of your teeth.