There are so many reasons why you should take care of your teeth and gums. The first and most important is to avoid gum diseases that can lead to other problems in your body, including heart diseases. Also, avoiding toothache and flashing a perfect smile is always worth mentioning.
But achieving healthy teeth and gums takes a lifetime of care. Even if you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to maintain them in that condition by taking the right steps every day. This means getting the right oral care products, flossing, being mindful of your daily habits, and getting regular dental checkups.
How to maintain healthy teeth for life? Easily, just follow the instructions from this article.
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How To Maintain Healthy Teeth For Life – Tips And Tricks
Luckily, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age, and it literally does not take too much effort; all you have to do is to be consistent. Here’s how you will do it:
1. Never go to bed without brushing your teeth!
The general recommendation is to brush teeth at least twice a day, but it would be perfect if you could brush them after every meal. However, many still continue to neglect to brush their teeth at night. Why is this a bad habit?
Well, when you brush your teeth before bed, you get rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day and prevent infections and other dental problems. Unremoved plaque can harden, and this leads to forming calculus and gingivitis.
2. Brush properly
Equally important is the way you brush your teeth. In fact, the poor brushing technique is almost as bad as not brushing the teeth at all, so take your time, and don’t rush it! The right way is to move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions; this way, you will successfully remove plaque.
Don’t neglect your tongue since plaque can also build up here as well. Not only does this lead to bad mouth odor, but it also leads to other oral health problems. So make a habit of gently brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
3. Always use a fluoride toothpaste
The right type of toothpaste is crucial. People usually look for whitening power and flavors when it comes to toothpaste, but this does not serve you well if there is no fluoride in it. This substance is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and health.
Fluoride is a mighty defense against tooth decay, and it fights germs that can lead to decay. It also provides a protective barrier for your teeth.
4. Learn that flossing is as important as brushing your teeth
Many people think that if they brush their teeth regularly, they do not need to floss as well. Wrong! Flossing is not only beneficial for getting those little pieces of food that got stuck in between your teeth; it’s a way to stimulate your gums, reduce plaque, and help reduce inflammation in gums.
So this means flossing once a day is a must! Yes, flossing can be difficult, especially for kids and adults with arthritis but do not give up! Find tools that can ease up the process.
5. Avoiding mouthwash is a no-no
Mouthwash is not necessary for good oral health, but mouthwash is something you should use to make sure your teeth and gums remain healthy for a lifetime. People usually skip mouthwashes because they don’t know how they actually work.
This product helps in three ways:
- Reduce the amount of acid in the mouth
- Cleans hard-to-brush areas in and all the way around the gums
- Nourish and remineralizes the teeth
Mouthwash is a great tool to help you bring back the balance, especially if you have a hard time flossing or you simply refuse to floss your teeth. Consult with your dentist about specific mouthwash recommendations for your condition, especially if you have sensitive gums and teeth.
6. Drink enough water
It is well known how water is the best beverage for your overall health; this includes oral health as well. If you didn’t know, drinking water after every meal would help you wash out some of the negative effects that sticky and acidic foods can cause to your teeth between brushes.
7. Eating more crunchy fruits and veggies and limit sugary and acidic foods
Eating fresh, crunchy, healthy foods rich in fiber is the best choice for your teeth. It is important to chew on harder-to-eat foods from young ages to get the jaw working. This way, you will activate your gums, make blood rush through them, and remove the plaque simultaneously.
Avoid mushy food full of sugar since sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which erodes the enamel of your teeth, and this leads to cavities. Also, be careful with acidic fruits, teas, and coffee since they also wear down tooth enamel.
8. Last but not least – see your dentist at least twice a year
Of course, your everyday habits are crucial for overall oral health, but no matter how regular you are in your oral hygiene, you still need to see a dentist regularly. At a minimum, do cleanings and checkups twice a year. This way, your dentist will be able to prevent any dental issues that you might be genetically predisposed to and remove calculus and look for cavities.
Some dental insurances cover more frequent dental checkups so take advantage of it; remember, the more you visit your dentist, the less it will hurt you in the end.
