Looking after your teeth can affect your general health. Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Having a great smile can also boost your confidence. Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy for your lifetime. Here are 3 of the most effective tips and tricks you can do to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth.
Avoid Eating Too Much Sugar
One of the best ways to take great care of your teeth is by avoiding excessive consumption of sugar. Eating too much sugar can have a very negative impact on the health of your teeth, as it mixes with the bacteria in your saliva forming plaque. Then plaque breaks down your teeth and causes issues such as sensitivity and cavities. Unfortunately sugar is in almost every prepackaged food on the market, even lurking in savory products like white bread and ready made pasta sauces. Therefore it’s best to stick with a natural, homemade diet if you want to have full control over the amount of sugar you eat. Whenever you do eat something sweet, brush your teeth afterwards. If you don’t like to brush at work, eat a small apple as dessert. I was taught years ago by a dentist that just having an apple after lunch can help clean your teeth like a toothbrush. I had a small or medium apple many days at part of my lunch at work.
Floss and Brush
Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least 2 minutes. A fluoride toothpaste is recommended by the CDC. It’s absolutely vital that you don’t forget to floss, as flossing reaches the food debris stuck in between your teeth that regular brushing cannot remove. It also removes dental plaque. You should aim at least to use floss once each day before going to bed. Never be too rough when you’re using floss, as it’s easy to hurt your gums and this can cause redness and inflammation. Do not use the same piece of floss more than once, as this can lead to an infection.
See Your Dentist
Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures. A dental professional can help you to identify and treat any issues you may have including gum disease. Besides cavities, they could recommend teeth aligners to straighten your teeth or even teeth whitening to get rid of staining and discoloration. An expert can also spot the warning signs of dental conditions that you might not spot on your own, so you can make sure you maintain the best oral health. Aim to visit a dental expert at least once a year, but twice a year exam and cleaning is recommended.
Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well, enjoy good food and a good life. You’ll be able to smile with confidence when you treat your mouth care with respect.
This is a collaborative post but all opinions are my own.
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