Teeth are one of the most important parts of our body to keep healthy. Not only because we use them to consume food, but also because infections that occur in and around teeth can be quite dangerous as they can easily spread anywhere in the body. Because of that, it is very important to take good care of our teeth, and here are a few simple practices that can help you achieve that.
Do not go to bed without brushing
You will often hear a recommendation that you should brush your teeth twice a day, and while a lot of people do follow that advice, there are some who do not feel like doing it before they go to bed. By brushing your teeth before bed, you will make sure to get rid of all the plaque and germs that accumulate throughout your day.
Brush properly!
While it might feel like you are brushing your teeth no matter what way you move the toothbrush, that is actually not true. Depending on the motion you are doing, you can even end up damaging your teeth or your gums. While brushing your teeth, take your time and use a circular motion.
Brushing your teeth correctly is important in keeping your teeth healthy
Fluoride toothpaste
There are all kinds of toothpaste on the market, and while some might taste or feel good to brush with, they are not really doing much when it comes to killing germs. Using toothpaste with fluoride will help bolster the defenses against tooth decay, and it also fights germs.
Have regular checkups
Even if it feels like you do not have any problems with your teeth, sometimes, the infection or decay can be quite sneaky, and once you notice it, the tooth is usually quite damaged. Dental implants might be the solution for this usual teeth problem. For a quick and professional checkup which you might want to do at least twice a year, there are some nearby dental clinics that is happen to be in the area in order to make assure that your teeth are as healthy as possible.
Do not forget to floss
While brushing teeth is certainly the most important part of tooth hygiene, flossing can sometimes be just as important, especially if food gets stuck in the areas between your teeth that you just cannot remove with brushing. Today, you can easily get the ready-to-use dental floss that makes flossing quite easy.
Drink more water, and limit sugary drinks as well as acidic foods
You would be quite surprised how many people can spend a whole day without drinking water while drinking some other kind of beverage instead. Water is the best option for overall health, and drinking it after every meal is actually highly recommended.
Not only because it will keep you hydrated but also because when you drink water after a meal, you will wash a good amount of bacteria and sticky, acidic food from your mouth. The reason why acidic food such as various fruits, coffee, and teas are hazardous to your teeth is that they break down the tooth enamel, which is a protective layer.
The same goes for sugary drinks, as the sugar will turn into acid that destroys the enamel, which then eventually turns into cavities and tooth decay that you need to visit a dentist for. It is alright to enjoy sugary and acidic drinks and food from time to time, but remember to at least drink some water afterward if you do not feel like brushing your teeth right away.
Eat vegetables and crunchy foods
While it can be quite difficult to eat some fresh and crunchy food that is full of healthy fiber instead of ready-to-eat food, it is quite important for your teeth. This is especially important for kids, which should eat harder-to-eat foods that require more chewing than processed mushy food. Strengthening the jaw might seem unrelated to tooth care, but it plays a significant role.
Eating healthy food will keep your teeth healthy
Use mouthwash
While brushing and flossing is certainly the best way to keep your teeth healthy, an easy solution to certain issues is the mouth wash. Even if it does not remove food stuck between your teeth, mouth wash will still eliminate a good amount of germs, and it will also clear out some plaque as well as the acid in your mouth. A big advantage of the mouth is also that it can reach those hard to brush areas.
Final word
Taking care of your teeth does not require too much effort. Once you start paying attention to these simple practices, you will quickly get used to them. Soon enough, they will become a part of your routine, and you will save yourself from various toothaches and visits to the dentist.