Eleven Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of
care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take
the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This
involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your
daily habits.
1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth
It’s no secret that the general recommendation
is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect
brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and
plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
The way you brush is equally important — in
fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing
at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to
remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup
and gingivitis (early gum disease).
Plaque can
also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it
can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you
brush your teeth.
When it comes to toothpaste, there are more
important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter
which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.
While fluoride has come under scrutiny by
those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance
remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading
defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay,
as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
5. Treat flossing as important as brushing
Many who brush regularly neglect to floss.
“Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or
broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth,” says Jonathan
Schwartz, DDS. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and
help lower inflammation in the area.”
Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap
these benefits.
6. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you
Flossing can be difficult, especially for
young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for
tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the
drugstore can make a difference.
Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary
for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how
they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount
of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and
re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help
bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people,
where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is
particularly helpful.”
Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations.
Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth.
Prescription mouthwash is also available.
Water continues to be the best beverage for
your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz
recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the
negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables
Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps
not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only
contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I
tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger
age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop
cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”
10. Limit sugary and acidic foods
Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the
mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead
to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel.
While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t
hurt to be mindful.
11. See your dentist at least twice a year
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your
overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to
see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings
and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look
for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential
issues and offer treatment solutions.
Some dental insurance companies even cover
more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of
it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such
as gingivitis or frequent cavities.