Our teeth are as important as other parts of the body. Having beautiful teeth will also build up your confidence to comfortably smile in public. So, if one of your new year resolutions is to take care of your health, you should also add dental care to the list.
This article will share some tips that will help you keep your teeth healthy in 2022. Read on to learn more.
Practice Daily Oral Hygiene
Since the primary cause of tooth decay is the accumulation of bacteria on and between your teeth, dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day to keep your teeth clean. Ensure that you use the right toothbrush and toothpaste and brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Also, scrub your tongue to keep it free from bacteria for a nice and fresh breath.
Flossing is also an essential part of your oral hygiene. You should floss at least once a day to remove food particles that are a food source for bacteria. Always ensure that you have run the floss along the tooth structure in the shape of a C instead of quickly snapping it between each tooth. If you are not a fan of dental floss, you can use water flossing devices available in the market today.
Don’t Miss Your Dental Checkups
Dentists recommend having a dental checkup every six months even if you take the best care of your teeth. A dental checkup will help your dentist identify and treat dental issues early so that they do not impact your overall health. Most insurances cover dental checkups, but it is important to compare dental insurance plans and choose the one with a comprehensive dental care package.
Eat Healthy Food
Eating healthy food can have a considerable positive impact on your oral health. Some of the best foods for healthy teeth are Calcium-rich foods (such as fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese and yoghourt and fortified soymilk) and vitamin C, which promotes gum health. Sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, spinach and potatoes.
In addition to the above healthy foods, you should reduce your sugar intake this year if you want healthy teeth. Sugar provides food to bacteria, and as a result, you become more prone to bacteria. Therefore, eating less sugary foods will minimise bacteria growth in your mouth, leading to healthy teeth and gum. A lower sugar intake will also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Use a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush
If you have been brushing your teeth aggressively, it should be one of the habits you should drop this year if you want to improve your dental health. Being gentler when brushing your teeth will help prevent scratches on the enamel, gum recession and gingivitis. Though most people think that using a hard toothbrush will do better, dentists recommend using a soft toothbrush. Also, ensure that you have changed the brush every three months so that the bristles don’t wear.
Drink Plenty of Water and Avoid Unhealthy Beverages
One of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy is drinking plenty of water since it helps keep them clean. Also, avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages like juice, soda, energy drinks and other sugary drinks as they can lead to tooth decay or enamel problems. This is particularly important during the hotter months.
Observe Your Mouthwash Usage
Many people love using mouthwash as part of their oral healthcare as it helps keep the mouth fresh, thus improving their confidence. However, using mouth wash is not the best oral care routine because it makes the mouth dry. This can increase the risk of gum infections and diseases. The best alternatives to mouth wash include dental rinses and DIY solutions.
Use Your Teeth Appropriately
Our teeth are designed to help us chew food into smaller pieces for easier digestion. However, some people use their teeth for other reasons, like opening beer or soda bottles and breaking nuts. Even if your teeth are strong, they are not meant to be used as tools. If something goes wrong, you can end up with sore gums or chipped teeth.
Parting Words
Though dental health is an important aspect of our overall health, some people don’t make enough efforts to maintain their oral hygiene. This leads to dental health issues like gum diseases and cavities.
Luckily, you can use the above dental care tips to keep your mouth healthy and beautiful this year. Though it is not easy to change habits, your dedication can make a huge difference.
