Maintaining healthy teeth is essential for overall well-being, as oral health significantly impacts general health. Here are some crucial tips for ensuring your teeth remain healthy and strong.
Regular Brushing
Brushing your teeth may seem basic, but this is the foundation of good oral hygiene. If we neglect to brush, then our teeth have no chance at all. The general advice to brush your teeth at least twice a day is correct – once in the morning and once before bed. Buy a toothbrush with soft bristles as this reduces wear on the tooth enamel. And use a fluoride toothpaste because it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.
The Brushing Technique Matters
Proper brushing technique is crucial. Even the best tool is ineffective when used incorrectly. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions. Clean all of the teeth, the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces, this way. Then either brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath or use a tongue scraper.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn-out toothbrush won’t clean your teeth effectively.
Daily Flossing
Flossing is an often overlooked. It is a vital part of oral hygiene that is easily overlooked. About 30% of the tooth surface is between the teeth, areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing will clean these areas between the teeth, greatly reducing issues with gum infection and decay. Alternatively, you can use floss picks or a Water flosser to clean between teeth.
The Correct Flossing Method
Use about 30 cm of dental floss. Wind each end of this around your middle fingers, leaving about 5cm of floss in the middle to work with. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently insert it between your teeth. Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth and slide it up and down. Use a clean section of floss each time you clean between each tooth.
Limiting Sugar in Your Diet
Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. And it is unhealthy for our bodies in general, especially in the amount we consume in our modern culture. The sugary foods and drinks will feed the bacteria in our mouth, which then produce acids that attack your tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities. Many sugary drinks are also acidic in nature, which damages tooth enamel even before the bacteria can act.
Healthy Diet Choices
The old grandparent advice is not too far from the truth. So, eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and some fruit. Minimise your intake of sugary snacks and beverages like candy, soda, and juices. If you do consume something sugary, try to do so with or after a meal rather than as a snack, as the increased saliva production during meals helps neutralize acid. Look for substitute for sugar, like stevia or Xylitol.
Read Food Product Labels
Processed foods will often contain ingredients like corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose. These are all forms of sugar that can contribute to tooth decay.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining oral health. Most dental professionals recommend a check-up every six months, though the frequency may vary based on individual needs. Regular check-ups allow for early detection and treatment, which can prevent more serious issues at a later date. During a dental check-up, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This includes checking for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Professional cleanings will remove plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing and flossing can’t address. Your dentist can also provide personalised advice on improving your oral hygiene routine.
Protecting Your Teeth
There are some sports and other activities that put your teeth at risk. It is crucial to protect your teeth from damage.
Mouthguards
If you play contact sports a mouthguard can protect your teeth. This does not prevent an accident but it will greatly reduce the damage. There are different types of mouthguards. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are the most comfortable option, but there are also over-the-counter varieties.
Avoid Bad Habits
Habits like chewing on ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packages can damage your teeth. Try to break these habits to prevent chips, cracks, or other damage.
General Advice for Healthy Teeth
Staying Hydrated
Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, can help wash away food particles and bacteria. It also helps maintain saliva production, which is important for neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth. Bottled water will be clean but it will not contain fluoride. Tap water contains some fluoride, so this is a good option if your area has a decent water supply.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help increase saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Look for gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Some artificial sweeteners can cause allergies, but Steria and Xylitol appear to be safe if not taken to excess.
Use Mouthwash
An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, while a fluoride mouthwash can strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities. Avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol as this tends to cause bad breath and has been linked to mouth cancer.
At Dental Burwood We Care About Your Teeth
We believe in preventative dentistry. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy teeth, attractive smile. This is a lifelong commitment, but in the long run your will suffer far fewer dental problems and benefit with a healthier smile.
Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
