Brushing your teeth is extremely important in the care and health of your teeth, but this is something most people are already well aware of. Aside from brushing your teeth, most people don't know what else they could be doing or should be doing to keep up with their oral health. These are the things that everyone should know so they can help keep their teeth healthy and prevent oral issues. Read on for a few of these care tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Flossing
Flossing is something most people are aware they should be doing but don't actually ever do. Your gums can benefit a lot from flossing, and your teeth can as well, as you are removing the plaque that is sitting in between your teeth where your brush isn't able to get to. You should floss at least once per day. Flossing takes only a minute of your time, and it is easy to do. If using traditional dental floss is too difficult for you, you should invest in floss picks instead, which are much easier to maneuver.
2. Drinking Water
You need to be drinking enough water each and every day. Water rinses your mouth and helps keep you hydrated. It can help rinse away anything stuck on your teeth when you aren't able to brush, such as while you're at work, after you've finished your morning coffee or tea, or after you've eaten your lunch. Drinking water can also help your body stay hydrated, as well as keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth issues. If you have dry mouth, it can be the perfect place for bacteria to breed, which can cause bad breath and also gingivitis.
3. Eating A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help improve your oral health. It can also benefit your body and mind as well. Your diet each day should include plenty of nutrient-rich foods such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean protein. In addition to a healthy diet, you can also take a multi-vitamin to help give you any vitamins and minerals you may be lacking in your diet. Eating a healthier diet can give you a brighter smile, especially if you cut back on the amount of sugar you are consuming in your diet. Sugar-rich foods should be limited in your diet, as should any foods that can harm your teeth, such as hard foods and candy.
If you are simply brushing your teeth twice per day, you are missing out on some of the other care your teeth need to stay healthy. Talk to your dentist about other oral healthcare tips.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!