11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Make sure you take care of your teeth

Healthy teeth require many years of dedication. Even when you've been told you have great teeth, it's essential to do the right thing every day to care for your teeth and avoid problems. This includes obtaining the appropriate products for oral health and being aware of your routine.

1. Don't sleep without cleaning your teeth

It's not a secret that the most common advice is to brush every day at least twice. However, we tend to ignore brushing our teeth before bed. However, brushing your teeth before bed helps eliminate the bacteria and plaque that can build up over the day.

Read Invisible aligner sheets

2. Brush correctly

The method you use to brush is equally important. Performing inadequate brushing is as harmful as not even brushing. Make sure to take your time and move your toothbrush with gentle circular motions to eliminate plaque. If plaque is not removed, it can become hardened and cause calculus to build up and gingivitis (early gum disease).

3. Don't neglect your tongue

Plaque can also form on your tongue. It's not just that this can cause bad breath; it could also result in other oral health issues. Be sure to brush your tongue gently every when you clean your teeth.

4. Make sure you use a fluoride-based toothpaste

When looking for toothpaste, there are more essential aspects to be looking for than just whitening power and flavors. Whatever type you pick, make sure that it has fluoride.

While fluoride is under the scrutiny of those concerned about its impact on other aspects of health, it remains an essential component in oral health. It is because fluoride is the most effective defense against tooth decay. It combats the bacteria that could cause pollution and creates a barrier of protection for your teeth.

5. Make flossing as important as brushing

Most people who brush regularly fail to floss. Flossing should not be to remove small pieces of broccoli or food which could be stuck between your teeth like Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. He explains. "It's really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area."

Putting your feet in the water once per day is enough to benefit from these advantages.

6. Don't let flossing difficulties stop you

Flossing is challenging, particularly for young youngsters and those with arthritis. Don't give up. Seek out tools that can aid you in flossing your teeth. Dental flossers that are ready to use from the drugstore could help.

7. Think about mouthwash

The advertisements make mouthwash appear necessary for healthy oral health. However, many people don't bother because they don't understand what they are doing. Schwartz says that mouthwash is beneficial by three methods: it decreases the level of acid in the mouth, cleanses difficult-to-brush areas of the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth.

"Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance," Schwartz explains. "I think a mouthwash is particularly helpful in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal."

Consult your dentist for specific recommendations for mouthwash. Certain brands are recommended for children and people who have sensitive teeth. A prescription mouthwash is also available.

8. Drink more water

It is the ideal drink to maintain your overall health, which includes oral health. As generally, Schwartz recommends drinking water at the end of each meal. This will help to wash away some negative consequences of food items that are sticky and acidic, as well as drinks in between brushing.

9. Eat crunchy vegetables and fruits

It's convenient to eat ready-to-eat food. However, they may need to be better regarding the teeth. Fresh, crisp produce not only has more nutritious fiber but is the most beneficial choice to protect your dental health. "I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age," says Schwartz. "So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!"

Read 10 Teeth Straightening Options to Improve Your Smile

10. Avoid acidic and sugary food items.

In the end, sugar transforms into acid in your mouth, which could ruin the tooth's enamel. The acids that are created by these acids can lead to tooth decay. Teas, fruits, and coffee also affect the enamel of your teeth. Although it's not necessary to stay away from these food items altogether, it's good to be aware.

11. Visit your dentist at least once a year

Your daily habits are essential to your overall oral health. Even the most meticulous flossers and tooth brushers must visit a dentist regularly. At the very least, you should visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every two years. A dentist will not only remove the calculus and search for signs of cavities, but they'll also be able to detect problems that could be present and suggest treatments.

Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If you are one of them, you make use of it. This is particularly beneficial when you've had any dental issues in the past, such as gingivitis and frequent cavity.