You only get one set of permanent teeth, so you better ensure that you take care of them. Many people are concerned about medical insurance and are rarely as concerned about dental insurance. Your teeth are one of the biggest first impressions that you can show by sharing a smile, so make sure it is a good one. Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth as healthy as can be.
Brushing
Well, obviously, we need to brush our teeth twice a day, at least. Make sure to use a good toothbrush with soft bristles and make sure it has cross bristles. These brushes are strong enough to remove plaque and soft enough to keep gums healthy and not damaged.
Flossing
It can be hard to remember, but floss daily. Use floss picks to get in tight spaces, but ensure you are using full floss to get all the angles and sides of your teeth that the floss pick cannot get. Germs and bacteria hide in the gaps between your teeth and need to be flossed, brushed, and rinsed to be banished from areas where they can cause damage.
Calcium
Your teeth and gums are made of calcium, so it only makes sense to eat plenty of calcium to keep them strong and healthy. Yogurt, soybeans, and cheese are great ways of getting calcium restored in yourbody to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and gums.
Vitamin D
All vitamins are needed in the body, but vitamin D is essential for calcium to be absorbed in the body. Therefore, ensure that you are getting some sun and you can also drink vitamin D-fortified milk.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is necessary to keep gums strong and intact. Citrus fruits are great ways of getting vitamin C, just ensure you are eating citrus with buffers, so you don’t cause tooth enamel erosion from the acidity.
Less sugar
Sugar in moderation is not a problem, but eating sugary snacks and waiting many hours prior to brushing can cause the sugar to turn acidic and erode tooth enamel. This leads to cavities developing in your mouth.
Lots of Water
Water is a great way to stay hydrated, but it can also promote saliva production, which will ensure the body is able to fight off tooth decay and plaque development.
No toothbrush?
In the middle of the day, consider a carrot or apple, which is hard and crunchy and works like a toothbrush to clean your teeth when a toothbrush is not available.
Rinse
Use mouthwash whenever you are able to after meals and if the mouthwash is not available, consider using water to rinse your mouth out and kill germs.
Bi-annual dentist visits
Check-in with your dentist every six months at places like http://www.reassurancedental.com/. The dentist will perform a check on teeth and gums and be able to find problems before they get too far gone. The dental hygienist will then do a thorough flossing, brushing, and polishing of your teeth.
All of these tips can help you prevent gingivitis, cavities and teeth problems in general. The key is to floss daily, brush twice a day, use mouthwash, and to eat a balanced diet that is high in calcium. If youare able to keep up with the daily maintenance, your teeth should be able to last over the course of your lifetime.
