Your teeth require maintenance, just like the rest of the body parts. For you to achieve healthy teeth, it requires lifetime care. Numerous researches show a close connection between oral health and general body health because many diseases get into your body through the mouth. Your mouth has over 500 types of bacteria, which are uncontrollable. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral health to protect your teeth from decay, gum diseases, and cavities.
Teeth help us speak fluently, maintain our face shape, pronounce different sounds correctly, and create a good smile. To many, dental health is all about brushing your teeth daily, which is not the case. Here are ways to help you maintain your dental health:
1. Brush Properly
Many people think brushing teeth is the matter of taking a cup of water, toothbrush, toothpaste, and then you are done with the process within a few minutes. According to the experts, proper brushing should take at least 5 minutes. While brushing, you should move your toothbrush in a gentle and circular motion to remove plaque in between your teeth.
Failure to remove these plaque leads to calculus buildup and gum disease. While brushing, you should hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and remember to scrub your tongue to remove bacteria. Then, do a thorough rinse of your mouth with clean water. According to the experts, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day, early in the morning and night before you sleep.
2. Regularly Visit a Qualified and Certified Dentist
Go for cleaning and dental checkup one to two times a year. Your dentist will remove calculus and check for cavities before they get worst. For your annual dental checkup, look for qualified dentists in a location near you to get the job done. When you visit, you should talk to professional dentists, who will attentively listen to your dental history, and then conduct a full examination of your teeth. Moreover, the hospital gives special offers to their clients.
3. Use the Right Dental Products
Dental specialists recommend individuals use a toothpaste containing fluoride. Do not be attracted to kinds of toothpaste with whitening power and flavors only. Fluoride protects our teeth against tooth decay by fighting germs that encourage decay. To add to that, it acts as a protective barrier to teeth and makes your teeth strong. Therefore, before purchasing your toothpaste, please read the ingredient carefully to ascertain that it contains fluoride.
Additionally, invest in a good toothbrush to protect your gum. Toothbrushes with stiff bristles can lead to enamel loss and receding gums. It would be best to change your toothbrush once the bristle loses shape, probably after every three months.
If you are experiencing bad breath, you can consider using mouthwash. Mouthwash reduces acidity in the mouth and cleans around the gums where your toothbrush cannot reach. Visit your dentist to recommend the best mouthwash for you because some are for children and those with sensitive teeth.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
For strong and healthy teeth, you should always eat a balanced diet containing vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins. In the diet, calcium should be in plenty since it strengthens the teeth. Foods rich in calcium include yogurt, milk, cheese, and orange juice. Remember, deficiency or excess intake of vitamins makes you prone to dental health problems.
Reducing the intake of snacks when taking meals is also necessary. Snacking encourages plaque buildup, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. Give your teeth enough recovery period after every food intake.
Lastly, avoid coffee, tea, sodas, and sugary foods. Coffee and tea contain ingredients that cause teeth discoloration. Once sugar gets into your mouth, it converts into acid, which erodes your enamel leading to cavities.
5. Drink Enough Water
Water is essential for general body well-being. Water keeps you hydrated and protects your body from stomach upset. However, tap water contains fluoride, a critical component for teeth decay prevention. When you take water, it washes away plaque and food debris. Therefore, drink enough water after every meal.
It is essential to take the proper steps to take care of your dental health and prevent dental problems, now and in the future. Invest in the right oral care products, and be mindful of your daily oral habits because oral health has become a global health burden. Good dental health promotes self-confidence and prevents tooth loss. So, observe the above practices and enjoy the lifetime smile.
Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations. In order to maintain good dental health, you should be seeing dentists in Westerville Ohio every 6 months.