Achieving a healthy and beautiful set of teeth requires a solid oral hygiene regimen. Poor dental care results in tooth and gum disease which can be painful and even life-threatening if allowed to persist. If you think a good oral care regimen is simply beginning and ending your day by brushing your teeth, think again. There are several things you need to be mindful of beyond just brushing your teeth. The following are some best practices to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Visit your dentist at least twice a year
Regular visits to the dentist play a crucial role in detecting early tooth and gum disease. Your dentist is also capable of catching any other issues you might have before they become more severe. It’s recommended that you go at least twice a year for optimal dental health. From placing dental implants into empty sockets where a tooth was extracted to rigorous cleaning, these treatments all prevent tooth and gum disease or at least keep it from getting more serious than it already is.
Quit smoking
Not only can smoking cigarettes stain your teeth, but the tar and nicotine in them can also cause your gums to recede as well as weaken the foundation of your teeth. Persistent smoking can also put you at risk for oral cancer.
Brush your teeth properly
Did you know that there’s a right way to brush your teeth? If you didn’t, then chances are, you’re not brushing your teeth properly and with the right toothbrush. The best toothbrush to use is a soft-bristled one to avoid damaging the enamel. As for the proper technique, here’s what you should know:
- Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line.
- Brush each tooth with a gentle back and forth circular motion for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Start from the front of your teeth, the sides, then brush the back of each tooth for a total of two to three minutes all-in-all.
- Don’t forget to lightly brush your tongue too.
- Begin flossing to not only get rid of food stuck in between your teeth, but also to reduce plaque bacteria and stimulate gums.
- Gargle with antimicrobial mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.
Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. It doesn’t hurt to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after every meal either.
Optimise your diet
Sugar stimulates the growth of plaque on the surface of your teeth which degrades enamel and eats away at your gums. It’s important to limit your intake of sugar in your food as well as in your drinks to avoid tooth decay. Fill your diet with food rich in calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and vitamin C instead. Here are several nutrient-dense foods that you can introduce into your diet if you haven’t already:
- Dairy products (plain yogurt, milk, cheese)
- Tofu and soy products
- Almonds
- Leafy green vegetables
- Salmon
- Broccoli
- Raisins
- Potato
- Spinach
- Lean meat
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Green and black tea
- Fish
- Eggs
- Pepper
- Citrus fruits
Your pearly whites are one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to keep them clean, healthy, and strong. Stop tooth and gum disease in its tracks by following these best practices for solid oral hygiene.
