Healthy teeth are a crucial element of a great smile. However, they are not simply aesthetic. Strong teeth make it easier for you to consume a nutritious diet. Besides, Oasis Dental emphasizes the connection between fantastic oral health and great general well-being, as it can result in a better mood, improved self-confidence, and more. Luckily, anybody can experience an improvement in their smile by building better oral care habits. This post discusses some easy tips to help you achieve healthier teeth and gums. Read on to learn more.
1. Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods
Do your teeth occasionally feel rough or fuzzy, especially after consuming sugary foods? If so, you might be leaving dental plaque behind on your teeth. Sugar provides a great environment for plaque buildup as it uses it to make acid that corrodes teeth.
It is crucial to read labels when shopping because many foods you consider “healthy” are bad for your teeth. For instance, some yogurt flavors can have lots of sugar. Similarly, sports drinks frequently have higher sugar content than the average person. Reducing sugary drinks and foods will help you avoid dental health concerns.
2. Brush Teeth Twice Everyday
As per the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is popular for its dental health benefits, especially for reducing dental cavities.
Ensure you take time when brushing your teeth so that you may have adequate time to clean your entire teeth. If you often brush your teeth in a hurry, you might be leaving behind tartar and plaque on the teeth that are harder to reach.
3. Prioritize Flossing
Flossing can eliminate bacteria and plaque from between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing also helps prevent foul breath by eliminating food and debris trapped between the teeth.
Most dentists suggest carefully guiding the floss to the gum line before hugging the tooth’s side with up-and-down motions. It is vital to avoid snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, as this can hurt and affect how well it removes plaque.
4. Avoid Substance Abuse
Smoking is detrimental to oral health as it causes tooth discoloration, tartar/plaque accumulation, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Moreover, smoking affects your mouth’s ability to heal following an injury.
As with tobacco use, alcohol can be devastating for your dental health. Alcohol makes your mouth dry, reducing saliva production, and, in turn, encouraging plaque and bacteria to accumulate. In fact, individuals who constantly consume alcohol are more likely to acquire oral cancer than non-drinkers.
5. Do Not Grind Your Teeth
Continuous, involuntary teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is a prevalent concern in adult dentistry. Often, bruxism results from excess anxiety and stress, which is common in the current fast-paced world.
If not treated, bruxism can also result in heightened tooth sensitivity, jaw discomfort, or even teeth fractures. Luckily, your general dentist can fix the issue with a simple night or mouth guard.
Attaining healthy teeth and gums takes a lifetime of care. Even if many people compliment you for a great smile, it is important to care for it properly to avoid problems. Proper oral hygiene entails using the appropriate oral care products and paying attention to your everyday routine. Unfortunately, despite these measures, you may sometimes experience an unexpected dentistry concern like a chipped or cracked tooth. In such instances, you should feel free to reach out to your general dentist.
