Most dental complications are preventable if you observe proper oral hygiene. This is because these conditions result from plaque buildup that comes from the food stuck between your teeth. So the question is, how do you keep your teeth clean?
Use the Right Brush and Toothpaste
The toothbrush and toothpaste you use play a major role in your dental health. Generally, electric brushes are more effective than their manual counterparts. This is because they vibrate, ensuring that plaque is removed from your teeth.
Dentists recommend applying a pea-sized squirt of toothpaste that contains fluoride. This ingredient is effective in preventing cavities, which is why tap water also has it. It’s advisable to avoid whitening toothpaste because some brands wear down your enamel and increase the risk of tooth loss.
Floss Regularly
Many people neglect to floss because they brush regularly. It’s worth noting that flossing does more than remove the food stuck between your teeth. It reduces plaque, lowers inflammation, and stimulates your gums. So there’s no surprise that it’s one of the secrets to dental health. Ideally, it would help if you flossed your teeth once daily.
Drink Water
Water is the best drink for your physical wellbeing, including oral health. Drinking water after every meal removes the acidic and sticky foods stuck between your teeth. It also promotes the production of saliva, which is crucial to improving your oral health.
Alternatively, you can use mouthwash, especially if you’re old and can’t brush effectively. It works by reducing the acid content inside your mouth and re-mineralises your teeth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
The two reasons why most people don’t visit dentists are carelessness and fear. You should never overlook dental appointments.
When you visit a dentist, they conduct an oral examination, after which they can recommend professional cleaning. The procedure starts with an evaluation of your teeth and gums. Here, they check for cavities, plaque, and tartar. They also look for signs of severe oral complications.
After the checkup, the dentist will then clean your teeth. They will use their professional equipment to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and fill any cavities that might be present.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating the right foods can improve your oral health significantly. For example, dairy products are rich in calcium, a nutrient that strengthens your teeth. Fibrous vegetables keep your gums healthy by promoting the production of saliva. Ginger, on the other hand, contains anti-inflammatory compounds that make your teeth healthier. Lastly, apples can help keep your mouth clean since eating them has a similar effect to brushing.
As you eat healthy foods, avoid sugary diets and excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks. Foods with excess sugar promote bacterial growth that later leads to cavities and tooth loss. Likewise, overconsumption of caffeinated beverages can lead to tooth discolouration and decay.
Get Occasional X-rays
Even if you observe proper oral hygiene practices, you’re always at risk of getting dental cavities. For this reason, it’s advisable to get an oral x-ray at least once every five years. Undergoing this procedure helps the dentist identify otherwise unnoticeable conditions, such as growing teeth and other critical problems.
Final Words
Your oral health mainly depends on your habits. Ensure that you eat healthy foods, drink a lot of water, avoid poor habits like smoking and drinking alcohol, and lastly, brush and floss frequently. More importantly, make sure you visit a dentist every six months.
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