Careful oral hygiene is the key to good teeth and dental health. The answer lies in small daily practices that can improve your overall health and general health of your mouth and teeth.
FOODS
- Consume a diet rich in calcium and vitamins
We don’t usually think about diet causing teeth decay but we need calcium to keep our teeth and bones healthy. It can be found in dairy products, broccoli, fortified orange juice and cereal, and other leafy green vegetables. You might also consider taking a supplement. If you don’t have a diet rich in multivitamins opt for a multipurpose vitamin supplement as Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex, copper, zinc, iodine, iron, and potassium all play important roles in your oral health.
- Avoid Colas & fruit juices
Sodas, cordials, and fruit drinks are high in food acids, which can soften tooth material and break up minerals in tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Coffee, alcohol, and sodas have high amounts of phosphorous, which are healthy in small amounts, but excess amounts reduce calcium. A lot of these drinks have additives such as corn syrup or food dye, which dull and discolor white teeth. In this case, using a straw helps. Better yet, avoid high sugar foods.
ACTIONS
- Brush your teeth twice a day
This is old advice, but this doesn’t stop it from being true. The best way to make sure your teeth are healthy is by brushing them twice a day. Spending 2 to 3 minutes brushing your teeth, in a back-and-forth and up-and-down motion gets rid of plaque and food particles that rest on or in between your teeth.
- Brush your tongue and gums too
Brushing your gums helps prevent gum disease which can cause your gums to swell and bleed easily. Make sure to spend a minute brushing your gums too. Lots of bacteria rest on the roof of your mouth and tongue, which can cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue helps prevent acid from buildup and gets rid of bacteria.
- Floss
Flossing removes food and plaque, which form bacteria, which can cause decay. Dentists recommend flossing once a day, usually before bed. If you’re away from home for long periods of the day take floss with you. You can also rinse with water to loosen food from resting in hard to reach places and bacteria from growing. A Waterpik is especially useful for flossing.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly
Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every three to four months to prevent bacteria from growing. It also ensures your bristles aren’t soft and ineffective. Dentists also suggest
- Get a cleaning
Visit your dentist once or twice a year. You should also get a cleaning by the hygienist. A doctor can check for signs of disease (usually by taking x-rays). Most oral diseases like periodontitis, gingivitis, and oral cancer don’t have symptoms in their early stages. Catching these types of ailments early will be more affordable, easier to treat and less painful overall.
- Get a fluoride treatment
Doctors and Dental hygienists can provide you with a topical fluoride treatment. This substance helps harden tooth enamel, creating stronger acid resistance and decreasing the risk of decay. Fluoride is added to drinking water in several countries but can also be found in toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Source: AAP, Internet & Others
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
