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You only get one set of adult teeth, so you must take care of them with good oral hygiene
A) Useful Tips
1. Floss At Least Once a Day
When we eat, food particles and debris become caught between our teeth and can be difficult to remove by brushing alone. Flossing is the best way to clean away bacteria from places your brush won’t reach. However, it is crucial to use the proper flossing technique; otherwise you risk damaging sensitive gums and not cleaning between your teeth effectively.
2. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth removes harmful bacteria, stains, and plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. But brushing before bed is not enough to keep your teeth pearly white. Dentists recommend that you brush twice per day for a healthier mouth.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remineralise your teeth, and brush in small circular motions with the brush angled away from the base of the tooth.
3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
When we eat the sugars in the food react with the bacteria naturally occurring in the mouth to create acid. This acid wears away at the strong enamel layers of the tooth by leeching away the minerals that give it its structure.
Fluoride toothpaste helps to remineralise teeth to repair any damage done from acid wear.
4. Use a Therapeutic Mouthwash
Mouthwash doesn’t just freshen your breath; it is a vital part of your daily oral health routine. Use a therapeutic mouthwash once a day to help remove bacteria and debris from your mouth. Mouthwash can also help prevent gingivitis and reduce tartar build-up to inhibit tooth decay.
Swish 30 ml of mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds. Do not rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Dentists recommend that you use alcohol-free mouth wash to maintain to prevent dry mouth and keep the pH level of your mouth balanced.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking can cause a number of serious health problems, including issues with your oral health. Not only does smoking cause bad breath and stain your teeth, but smoking has also been strongly inked with an increased risk of gum disease due to reduced saliva production and receding gums which causes crevices allowing bacteria to build up.
If you are interested in quitting smoking, speak with your doctor about how they can help. There are many free resources available to help you including nation-wide quit assistance hotlines and support groups.
6. Regular Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are essential for removing stains and discolouration as well as built-up plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. It also allows the dentist to check your mouth for signs of decay and gum disease, which can be more effectively treated if caught early on.
If you notice any staining on your teeth that does not go away with regular brushing, visit your local cosmetic dentist for an Airflow tooth polishing and tooth whitening treatment for a brighter smile.
7. Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
Your tongue can harbour large amounts of bacteria and other infections that can easily spread to your teeth and cause decay and gum disease. So, it is crucial to include your tongue when you brush your teeth to scrub away bacteria and food particles.
Many toothbrushes now feature tongue cleaners or scrapers to help you clean your tongue more effectively.
8. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary foods and foods high in carbohydrates provide nutrients to the bacteria that live in your mouth creating acid and contributing to tooth decay. Acidic foods such a citrus fruits and tomatoes, also wear down the enamel on your teeth and upset the delicate pH balance of your mouth.
While you do not need to eliminate these foods entirely from your diet, it is suggested that you limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods or consume them alongside other foods that can neutralise the effect of the acid on your teeth.
9. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables not only provide your body with essential vitamins and mineral, but they are also good for your teeth and gums. Crunchy produce contains high levels of fibre which stimulates the gums and encourages good blood flow. They also increase the production of saliva, which helps to wash away debris and creates biofilms over your teeth to protect them from bacteria.
Some fruits and vegetables to include in your diet for healthy teeth and gums include apples, celery, and carrots.
10. See Your Dentist At Least Twice a Year
Even people with consistent oral health routines need to visit the dentist. The British Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and a check-up. Check-ups allow dentists to catch problems before they become too serious.
B) Some Natural Ways to Take Care of Dental Health
Your diet can have a massive impact on your oral health. So, in addition to limiting the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you eat, try eating a diet rich in foods that benefit your teeth and gums.
Dairy products can help to neutralise acid in the mouth and are high in calcium to help with remineralisation. Leafy green vegetables are also an essential source of vitamins and mineral for the mouth and when eaten with meals can limit the amount of acid wear on teeth.
It is also essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is not only good for hydration, but it can help to wash away bacteria and food after eating.
Final Thoughts
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but if you notice any changes in your bite, or how your teeth look or feel, contact your local dentist immediately for an appointment.
This Article is a Guest Post.