Your teeth are one of the biggest indicators of your overall health. If you don’t take good care of them, you could develop a host of chronic problems. Good oral health can keep bacteria at bay from causing diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. There are numerous things you can do to protect your beautiful smile. Here are ways to take care of your health and teeth.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Your diet can greatly impact your health and your teeth. In 2019, the restaurant industry raked in around $863 billion in sales. However, much of that food can be unhealthy, especially if it’s fast food. By preparing food at home, you can take better control over what you eat. To help you eat nutritious meals, you may want to consider home gardening to grow organic fruits and vegetables. Crunchy vegetables are ideal for keeping teeth clean and providing nutrients to keep you healthy.
Eating fermented foods can keep your mouth healthy. Examples of fermented foods include sauerkraut, yogurt, and cottage cheese. These foods can protect against periodontitis, which affects 90% of people who smoke. However, these foods are also acidic, which means you’ll want to brush your teeth after eating and drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary foods and caffeinated beverages.
Brush the Right Way
The best way to reduce plaque and protect the health of your teeth is to brush with fluoridated toothpaste. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, you should brush twice daily for two minutes each time. It’s important to use the right technique when you brush. To prevent damage to the enamel, use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Use small circular motions and avoid scrubbing.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly. Once your teeth are clean, brush the surface of your tongue. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes. You can also use a mouthwash for extra protection. Make sure to change your toothbrush once every three months or after an illness. Use a cover to protect your toothbrush against germs and bacteria from others who may be using your bathroom.
Floss Daily
Periodontal disease often occurs in the areas of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t reach. This is why it’s important to floss daily using the proper technique. Take a piece of floss that’s 18 inches long. Wrap most of the floss lightly around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest around the middle finger of your other hand.
Use both thumbs and forefingers to hold the floss lightly to clean your upper teeth and just the forefingers to clean the bottom teeth. Insert the floss between teeth and use a gentle back and forth motion. Bring the floss to the gum line and make a c-shape to gently slide the floss in rather than trying to snap it in between teeth. Rinse with water when you’re finished. You may experience some soreness or bleeding for the first week but it should go away as your gums get healthy.
Visit a Dentist
Scheduling a routine checkup with a dentist twice a year is crucial for your teeth and health. The dentist will examine your teeth for cavities, clean them, and address any dental issues you may have. You may need to have certain dental procedures performed. Around 15 million people have bridge and crown replacements for missing teeth to help them have a healthy smile.
Regular checkups can help spot potential problems before they become serious. During your visit, you may want to ask your dentist about things you can do at home to improve your oral health. If you experience any issues with your teeth or gums, make an appointment immediately. Delaying treatment can not only be life-threatening but it can also be much more expensive to seek emergency medical care.
Select the Best Oral Hygiene Products
There’s an overwhelming selection of oral hygiene products currently on the market. It can be difficult to choose the best ones for your needs. Electronic toothbrushes are effective and safe for most people. Oral irrigators are excellent at rinsing your mouth but don’t remove plaque well. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can reduce tooth decay by 40% for most individuals.
If you have large spaces between teeth, interdental cleaners can be effective for removing plaque and food particles. They can also be useful to help people with braces remove plaque from around orthodontic bands, brackets, and wires. These cleaners can be found at any grocery or drugstore. Consult with your dentist to learn how to use them properly.
Consider Mouth Guards
There are many people who grind their teeth during the night and may not be aware that they’re doing it. Teeth grinding can occur from stress, anxiety, or anger. It can cause increased tooth sensitivity, worn tooth enamel, and torn tissues in the cheek. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help prevent damage from teeth grinding. Your dentist can create a custom mouthguard for your teeth to help you protect your oral health.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is important for good dental health. It helps keep your mouth clean and boosts your immune system to help you stay in good health. Water that contains fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevents cavities. It can also help fight off the dry mouth and bad breath by eliminating leftover food particles. Staying hydrated can help ensure that nutrients are delivered to your teeth and gums to help them heal and perform properly. You should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
Just like the fact that the majority of homes built before 1980 are in desperate need of home improvement, taking care of your teeth needs just as much work. By following these ways to keep your teeth clean, you can help protect your overall health and well being. Take care of your beautiful smile today!
