Your teeth play a very important role. Not only do they help you talk and chew food, but they also support the natural shape of your face. As you get older, your teeth get more susceptible to cracks and fractures, and your gums become thinner, leaving you vulnerable to decay and gum disease.
Fortunately, you can prevent these problems and enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth by following these amazing five dental care tips.
1. Brushing
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth for two minutes at least two times a day. Experts recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush that is gentle on your enamel with only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Some people brush too aggressively, thinking it will provide better results. However, vigorous brushing can result only in worn-down enamel and receding gums that expose the sensitive roots of your teeth. Instead of brushing too hard, try moving the brush carefully side by side at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.
2. Flossing
You can’t keep your teeth perfectly clean by simply brushing them regularly. Food particles can get stuck in hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, providing good nutrition for dangerous oral bacteria. These bacteria will eventually start releasing acids that can damage your teeth and gums. Daily flossing is highly important as it helps remove the food residue. You can try using a water flosser if regular floss causes pain or bleeding. Depending on your personal preference, you can floss before or after brushing in the morning or evening.
3. Dental checkups
Many people avoid seeing a dental specialist until they have a severe toothache or gum abscess. Routine visits to the dentist will help you identify minor dental issues before they develop into painful and dangerous dental problems. Your dentist can also perform professional cleanings to whiten your smile a shade or two and eliminate plaque and residue that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
4. Rinsing
While it cannot substitute both brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash can help reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease while used as a part of daily dental hygiene. Not all mouthwashes are equally safe and effective. Some contain fluoride that fights off cavities. Others aim at preventing plaque buildup. Certain kinds help ward off tooth decay and associated bad breath. Ask your dental specialist which one is the most appropriate to your needs. When buying a mouthwash, look for one that has an ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal means that the American Dental Association approves that the product is effective and safe to use.
5. Diet
The importance of diet in preserving the health of your teeth is quite vital. Excess consumption of sugar can increase your odds of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Food shouldn’t necessarily be sweet to be high in sugar. Most kinds of processed foods contain large amounts of so-called hidden sugars. What’s the most appropriate way to stay fueled while preserving your dental health? Experts suggest you try some of the following strategies:
Consume water instead of sodas or fruit juices
Eat healthy snacks like yogurt and cottage cheese
Consume foods from the five basic food groups
Limit your sugar consumption
Apart from consuming healthy snacks, it’s important to decrease your overall snacking. Recent studies suggest that food eaten during regular meals does less damage to your enamel than frequent snacks. Your salivary flow increases during a meal, which helps wash away food residue and acids from your mouth. Frequent snacking doesn’t cause your salivary glands to produce more saliva, making your teeth and gums less protected.
