- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Don’t forget to floss.
- Pay your dentist a visit.
- Stock on calcium-rich foods.
- Say no to smoking and booze.
Everyone knows the importance of taking care of your physical health, but it can be easy to forget about equally essential areas like oral health. Having a healthy mouth is not only for aesthetics but also for keeping your overall well-being in check. Neglecting your teeth and gums can lead to more serious medical problems such as periodontal disease and even heart attack or stroke. Luckily, there are some simple ways to prioritize your oral health and ensure that you have solid and healthy teeth for years to come.
1. Brush Twice Daily
One of the best things you can do for your oral health is brush twice daily with an ADA-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Not only will this help remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles that can lead to the development of decay or infection, but it also helps keep your breath fresh and your teeth looking their best. Be sure to use fluoridated toothpaste as well; fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities from forming.
2. Floss Regularly
It’s not enough to brush twice daily. It would help if you also flossed regularly for an effective oral health care routine. Flossing helps remove plaque and other debris from between each tooth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. If you don’t floss regularly, these particles can get stuck and cause bacteria-filled pockets, which could eventually cause decay or infection. Many people often forget that flossing should be done at least once daily, but it’s one of the essential steps in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is essential to maintaining good oral health. During these appointments, your dentist can detect any signs of decay or infection before it becomes a bigger problem. They will also be able to assess the overall condition of your teeth and gums, which can help catch any issues that may arise in the future. If you are looking for more intensive care, a reliable dental implantologist can perform dental implants or bone grafting to restore missing or damaged teeth. This is especially if you have lost many teeth or had a dental accident.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
It’s no secret that what you eat affects your overall health, but many people don’t realize that it also affects oral health. Eating a diet high in sugar can increase the amount of plaque and bacteria on your teeth, which can cause cavities or infections. Foods high in fiber and calcium, such as fruits and vegetables, will help strengthen your tooth enamel while providing other vitamins and minerals that can benefit your oral health.
Here are some foods you can consume to keep your teeth healthy:
Milk and dairy products
It is no secret that milk is a good source of calcium, which helps to strengthen teeth. Include low-fat milk and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese in your diet. You can also consume calcium-fortified soy milk as an alternative to cow’s milk. It would help if you had calcium to strengthen your teeth, so always include these in your daily diet.
Green and black tea
Both green and black teas contain polyphenols that can help reduce plaque buildup. These substances also fight against cavity-causing bacteria and can even reverse early tooth damage. However, remember that tea still contains caffeine, so it’s best to drink it in moderation.
Leafy green vegetables
Another reason to indulge in your Caesar salad! Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and even broccoli are high in calcium and other vitamins that help keep your teeth strong. Vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy gums, so include this in your diet. It is recommended that adults consume up to two cups of leafy greens per day.
Almonds and other nuts
Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and walnuts contain phosphorous, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel. It would help if you had strong enamel on your teeth because it acts as a barrier against bacteria and plaque. It’s also important to remember that nuts are high in fat and calories, so it’s best to consume them in moderation. Eating a handful of nuts daily can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Various fruits
Finally, you can enjoy various fruits to keep your teeth healthy. Apples, pears, and other crunchy fruits can help scrub away plaque from your teeth and stimulate saliva production, which helps remove bacteria. Strawberries contain malic acid, which helps whiten your teeth naturally. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are high in Vitamin C, essential for maintaining healthy gums.
5. Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Smoking and drinking alcohol are two habits that are detrimental not only to your physical health but also to your oral health. Smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease by causing secondary damage to the soft tissues in the mouth. Alcohol has been linked with laryngitis, esophagitis, throat cancer, and oral cancer due to its drying effect on the mouth and throat.
In Closing
Your oral health is just as important as your overall physical health, so follow these five tips for optimal dental hygiene. Thus, you must take care of your teeth to the best of your ability. These five helpful tips can help you prioritize your oral health and keep your teeth strong and healthy for years to come.