How to Get Healthy Teeth: 5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Teeth

Practicing good oral hygiene keeps your teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that oral health goes beyond gum disease and cavities? Believe it or not, your oral health is correlated to your health in general.

For example, leaving a gum problem or tooth decay untreated, not only causes you pain or tooth loss but it can become dangerous once the infection reaches the bloodstream.

However, once you’ve developed the proper oral habits, it’s rather easy to take good care of your teeth. Check out the top five habits to maintain nice teeth.

1. The Importance of Your Teeth and How to Brush

The mouth is where you chew your food and prepare it for easy digestion. The teeth and tongue ensure that you can pronounce various sounds that allow you to speak fluently and clearly.

They’re the reason for your perfect smile and the shape of your face. Always, use the right oral products and bear in mind your daily habits are the key to that perfect smile. 

It’s recommended to brush your teeth twice daily in order to remove bacteria and plaque as well as to keep your teeth clean. However, brushing is not effective until you use the right technique.

The best way to brush is in small circular motions ensuring that you brush the top, front and back of your teeth. This should take you two to three minutes. Don’t brush your teeth in a sawing motion back and forth.

The kind of toothbrush that you use also counts. Avoid using toothbrushes with hard bristles since they could damage your enamel and gums.

When used too frequently over time this could result in you having sensitive teeth. Other possible consequences include permanent damage to your teeth’s enamel and gum erosion.

Use a toothbrush with soft brushes and ensure that you change it every 3 months or once the ends become frayed.

2. Floss Daily for Nice Teeth

When you floss you’re removing plaque and bacteria that could not be reached by your toothbrush. Dental experts recommend that you push the floss gently until it’s down to the gumline.

Next, hug the side of your teeth by moving the floss downwards and upwards. This will effectively remove plaque and prevent pain.

3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Visit your dentist every six months to get a checkup. Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque and hardened tartar. Your mouth will be examined for any gum disease, dental cavities, or even mouth cancer. 

Depending on several factors your dentist may do x-rays on your mouth. You can also ask your dentist how often you should visit for a checkup. What they’ll tell you will be based on your health, age, and dental health.

But if you notice any changes in your mouth, head to your dentist right away.

 4. Use a Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash can greatly benefit your oral health.  A good mouthwash that you can use is one with chlorhexidine as it can control gingivitis and plaque. Mouthwashes containing certain essential oils are also good.

It’s good to also ask your dentist for a mouthwash that suits your individual needs. While mouthwash is no substitute for flossing and brushing, it complements them well.

5. Reduce Starchy and Sugary Foods

The more sugar you eat, the more cavities you’re likely to get. Some foods that you should limit eating are dessert, candies, and processed foods.

Reducing your daily calorie intake significantly lowers your chances of having a dental problem and getting cavities. Bread, pasta, chips, and crackers can also lead to tooth decay.

This happens when these foods stay in your mouth for a period of time and get converted to simple sugars. Acid-producing bacteria then feed on this sugar and this can easily lead to tooth decay.

It’s best if you eat fruits and vegetables high in fiber. Also, consume dairy products that have low sugar content.

If you are a fan of sugary drinks then you are putting your teeth at risk. Try to drink more water throughout the day as this will assist in caring for your teeth. If you must drink sugary drinks then try to limit them to mealtimes. You should also drink a little water to help to wash away the sugar.

The Healthy Teeth Checklist

The five points discussed here are paramount to keeping your teeth healthy but sometimes it is useful to have a checklist to assist you. Here is one you can keep handy.

• Brush before going to bed
• Brush properly. Remember to use circular motions, gentle ones.
• Brush your tongue. 
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a crucial element to have as it prevents tooth decay.
• Floss once daily. 
• Use mouthwash. It re-mineralizes your teeth and lessens the acid in your mouth.
• Drink lots of water. Try drinking some after every meal.
• Eat fruits and vegetables. Get your jaws working.
• Reduce acidic and sugary food. 
• Visit your dentist twice yearly. Go for a checkup and cleaning.

With knowledge of what it takes to have healthy teeth plus your checklist, you are on your way to a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Healthy and Pearly White

Getting healthy and nice teeth is easier than you think. Developing good oral hygiene habits and using them frequently will make a big difference.

The key is to use a combination of several steps to get that perfect smile. Start by brushing regularly. Always brush your teeth before you go to bed and make sure you do it in circular motions.

Back this up by flossing once daily. When brushing be sure to include your tongue. Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash for the best results. Your diet also plays a part too, the healthier you eat the better it will be for your teeth.

If you have questions about your dental health, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.