What do your teeth say about you? White, healthy teeth can make a world of difference in your smile and self-confidence. Cavities and tooth decay can cause more than just a lousy smile; they can also cause serious health problems. Proper oral care helps protect your teeth from oral diseases and keeps them looking beautiful and pearly white. Fortunately, many simple day-to-day habits can make all the difference in taking great care of your teeth. This article will explore how to take great care of your teeth and discuss brushing techniques, dietary choices, and more!
Get Decent Dental Coverage
While most people tend to believe that all forms of healthcare are offered universally to Canadians, the fact is that there are plenty of gaps in the Canada Health Act, including dental care. Consequently, unless you already have a decent plan supplied by an employer, it is probably a good idea to search for alternative dental plans that provide coverage for various issues and regular dentist visits. Visiting the dentist regularly is an integral part of taking care of your teeth. Regular checkups ensure that any potential problems are spotted early when they can be treated more efficiently and with less pain, and help keep your teeth healthy for years to come. Having adequate healthcare coverage ensures you won’t face financial hardship whenever you want to see your dentist.
Use Toothpaste Containing Fluoride
While there are plenty of theories going around that fluoride is harmful, causing all manner of conditions, the fact is that it is bad for you…in large quantities, like from consistently swallowing lots of toothpaste. However, if you are an ordinary, functioning adult or monitor your children when they brush, fluoride is very beneficial for your dental health. Among the many benefits of fluoride are that it prevents cavities, wards off enamel erosion, and aids calcium absorption, which keeps your teeth healthy.
Brush Your Teeth With A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is the most crucial part of any oral hygiene routine, regardless of age. However, you should avoid stiff bristles and opt for soft-bristled toothbrushes, which lessen the risk of gum irritation and damage to enamel caused by brushing too hard. Moreover, ensure you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, as older brushes are less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. To properly clean each tooth, use gentle circular strokes and hold the brush at an angle so it can reach all surfaces. This should take roughly two minutes, spending 30 seconds on each quadrant (the top right, bottom right, bottom left, and top left region of the mouth). Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well because this helps reduce odor-causing bacteria (just remember to be gentle).
Cut Down On Sugary Food And Drinks
It is vital to reduce your sugar intake in order to maintain a healthy smile. Besides contributing to cavities, sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, which can cause gum disease, tartar buildup, and other oral health problems. For this reason, it is important to limit foods and beverages that contain added sugar and reduce overall sugar consumption from natural sources, such as fruit juices and dried fruit. Cutting down on sugary food and drinks also has many other benefits for your teeth, such as:
- Reducing plaque buildup around the teeth
- Maintaining optimal pH levels in the mouth
- Reducing sensitivity in the enamel
- Preventing staining on the teeth and gums
- Limiting dry mouth conditions
Besides avoiding sugary snacks or desserts after meals or between meals, there are other strategies you can use, like drinking plenty of water throughout the day or brushing immediately after eating anything sweet. Prolonged exposure to sugar will leave long-lasting damage to your smile so remember to cut down on those sweet treats!
Avoid Tobacco Products
Regarding oral health, tobacco products are among the worst things you can consume. They contain nicotine, which reduces saliva production and increases bacteria levels, resulting in halitosis and gum disease. In addition, these products include a ton of nasty chemicals, including tar and formaldehyde, that are linked to dental problems. Removing these things from your life will not only help keep your teeth healthy, but it’s also an essential step in protecting your overall health. If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about options for quitting smoking or chewing tobacco once and for all (also check if your insurance covers nicotine reduction treatments).
Taking good care of your teeth is vital for both aesthetic and health reasons. Therefore, you should ensure you are brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, eating a well-balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental checkups. By following these steps, you can have healthy, beautiful teeth for years to come and hopefully well into your golden years!
