We have good reasons to ensure our teeth are healthy. The sparkling smiles, avoiding toothaches and discomfort, and chewing delicious meals.
Poor oral habits lead to gum disease, which results in other conditions in the body, including increasing the risk of developing heart diseases. Healthy teeth result from good oral behavior. But flossing and brushing alone are not enough to guarantee the health of your teeth. This article explores six simple ways to help you keep your teeth healthy.
You should limit starchy and sugary foods
If you like eating sweet foods, you should consider avoiding or lowering processed foods and sugary treats. Processed foods have more sugar, like desserts.
The starchy foods you eat, such as pasta, crackers, and rice, get broken down into simple sugars that get consumed by the acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. This acid can lead to cavities or erode your enamel.
Dentists suggest that you should eat more fiber-rich food instead of consuming more starchy and sugary foods. Fiber-rich foods will help keep your teeth stronger.
You should go for regular dental checkups
Your daily habits are vital to your overall health. Even the most compliant flossers and brushers need to go for regular dental checkups. At least you should visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings twice every year. Your dentist will look for cavities, remove calculus, spot potential dental problems, and provide treatment solutions.
You should also ask your dentist if you should see an orthodontist. An orthodontist will help you correct any crowding of the teeth and can help give you the smile you have dreamed about. For example, if you live in Texas, Dallas orthodontics is available for you to get your or your child’s teeth straightened.
There are insurance firms that provide dental checkups coverage. If you are under such insurance coverage, you should utilize it. This is beneficial to individuals who have a history of dental problems, such as frequent cavities and gingivitis.
You should brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste
If you are wondering about the best toothpaste to use, there are significant factors to consider other than the flavors and whitening power. Regardless of the toothpaste, you prefer, ensure that it contains fluoride.
Although this element has brought significant debate by people who are worried about its effects on other areas of health, fluoride remains the backbone of oral health. This is because this substance plays a significant role in defending teeth against decay. Fluoride protects you against germs that can cause tooth decay and provides a defense barrier for your teeth.
You should view flossing as essential as brushing
Many people who brush their teeth regularly tend to overlook flossing. Flossing doesn’t only help get pieces of broccoli or food that may be stuck between your teeth, but it helps in lowering inflammation, reducing plaque, and stimulating the gums. Experts recommend that people should floss their teeth at least once a day if they want to have strong and healthy teeth.
You should consider a mouthwash
Most ads that you see on social media or television make mouthwash seem essential for your oral health; however, many individuals tend not to pay attention because they don’t understand how it works. Mouthwash can help you in three ways.
- It can help lower the amount of acid in your mouth
- It can help clean hard-to-brush areas around and in your gums
- It can help re-mineralize your teeth
This is a tool that helps bring things into balance. For individuals who may not be able to floss or brush their teeth, mouthwash may be helpful.
You should inquire from your dentist about the appropriate mouthwash that you should use. Some brands aren’t good for certain individuals, such as children and those with sensitive teeth. Mouthwash prescriptions are also available.
You should eat vegetables and crunchy fruits
As indicated above, people should eat less starchy and sugary foods and instead eat foods rich in fiber. Vegetables and fruits are good examples of foods rich in fiber.
You may find ready-to-eat foods convenient, but this may not be the case with your teeth. Eating crunchy and fresh fruits contains fiber, which is good for your teeth. People should get used to eating harder-to-chew and eat foods rather than overly mushy foods.
Most gum disease and tooth decay can be avoided or prevented with good oral health habits. Following the six ways discussed above will help you have strong and healthy teeth throughout your life. Don’t hesitate and start practicing them today!