Tips For Looking After Your Teeth

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and it can make a significant difference in your image.

But dental health is not just about appearances. Did you know that your teeth are important not just for biting and chewing, but also for your speech? Maintaining healthy teeth can also help prevent serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Although not substantial, recent studies also hint at a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why taking care of your teeth is extremely important.

Unfortunately, many people don’t give oral and dental health the attention it deserves. Neglecting your teeth can lead to painful and costly dental procedures. So if you want to save yourself from a host of health-related problems and expensive treatment, here’s what you need to do:

1- Consider using dental sealants

Studies suggest that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%. But exactly what are dental sealants? In short, dental sealants are a thin layer of plastic painted onto the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from damage. They are a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to protect teeth from harmful bacteria. Studies have shown that children with sealants are less likely to develop cavities than children without sealants. Additionally, sealants can last for several years, providing long-lasting protection for your teeth.

If you’re considering dental sealants, talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if sealants are a good option for you and provide more information about the process and the benefits of using them.

2- Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth is essential for removing plaque and food particles stuck on the surface of your teeth that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing also helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause bad breath and other oral health problems.

When brushing, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Don’t brush too hard, or you risk injuring your gums and bleeding. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes and replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

3- Use dental floss daily

Flossing is an essential part of any good oral hygiene routine. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing helps remove debris from the tight spaces between your teeth and along your gum line where your toothbrush cannot reach. Not flossing can leave up to 35% of your teeth’s surface area unclean, making it easier for plaque to build up and cause cavities and gum disease.

If you find flossing difficult, there are other tools you can use to clean the space between your teeth, such as interdental brushes, water flossers, or pre-threaded flossers. It’s better to find a method that works best for you to help you floss daily.

4- Add mouthwash to your routine

Mouthwash can be a beneficial addition to your oral care routine. It can help freshen your breath and kill bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. However, it’s important to note that mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. In fact, it’s better to use mouthwash after consulting your dentist. Do not overuse it. Overusing mouthwash can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth, cause dry mouth, and mask underlying dental problems.

Various types of mouthwashes are available, including fluoride-rich, anti-gingivitis, and anti-plaque mouthwash. Your dentist can help you choose a suitable option based on your requirements.

5- Visit your dentist regularly

Regular dental checkups can save you money in the long run by preventing more serious dental issues from developing. Visiting your dentist can also improve your overall health. Research hints at a link between poor oral health and other serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Health experts recommend that adults visit a dentist at least once every six months for a routine checkup. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on individual needs and dental history.

If you don’t have a dentist yet, you can check out this dentist in Pasadena or find one near you by searching on the internet.

6- Say no to sugary foods and drinks

Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth and leave them vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. Sugar is particularly harmful because the bacteria in your mouth feed on it, which produces acid that can damage your teeth. The longer these sugars and acids stay on your teeth, the more damage they can cause.

Hence it’s a good idea to practice good oral hygiene after eating or drinking something too sweet to minimize the risk of damage. Rinse your mouth as soon as possible and keep up with regular brushing and flossing. Additionally, sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize acid and remove food particles stuck in between your teeth. Keep it handy.

7- Drink plenty of water

Drinking water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to look after your teeth; it helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water daily and make it a habit to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything sugary or acidic.

8- Avoid using tobacco products

Smoking and consuming other forms of tobacco can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, stained teeth, and oral cancer. Research has shown that quitting smoking can reduce your risk of oral cancer by up to 50% within five years. So try to quit smoking. Consult your dentist or healthcare provider for support and resources if you’re habitual.

Conclusion

Maintaining good oral and dental health can have several positive benefits; you can improve yours by following the tips mentioned above. However, it’s important to remember that good dental health is a lifelong commitment and requires consistent effort and dedication. And it’s never too late to start.