Developing and sticking to good habits, such as brushing and flossing, are imperative for healthy teeth, but oral and dental health is about much more than just keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Having healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care and, even if you believe you have nice teeth, you should still be taking the right steps to prevent problems from occurring in the future. In order to avoid future dental problems such as tooth loss, gum disease and cavities, here are some top tips to achieve healthy teeth.
Brush Properly
The way you brush is just as important as how frequently you brush your teeth. Doing a poor job at brushing your teeth is just as bad as not brushing them at all so, take your time and be sure to move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque from your teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, then this can lead to a build-up of plaque, which can harden and lead to calculus buildup and potentially gingivitis.
Flossing is just as important as brushing
Even if you brush your teeth perfectly twice a day, if you don’t floss, then you’re missing a big step when it comes to the health of your teeth. Flossing isn’t just for removing stuck bits of food from inbetween your teeth, but it also helps to stimulate the gums, reduce inflammation and stop the buildup of plaque. Flossing can be difficult for some people, especially children and elderly adults, but rather than give up on it, look for dental tools which can help you to floss your teeth if you are unable to. Flossing at least once a day is recommended to keep your teeth healthy.
Drink plenty of water
Water isn’t just beneficial for our overall health and wellbeing, but it can help boost your oral and teeth health, too. If you regularly drink fizzy drinks, fruit juices or tea and coffee, then you’re likely causing huge damage to your teeth. These drinks can lead to plaque build-up, enamel erosion and staining. Water is a neutral drink and can help remove sticky plaque build-up and acidic foods and drinks inbetween meals. Try to drink water with and after a meal to help wash away some of the potentially damaging effects on your teeth.
Limit sugary and acidic foods
Sugar has the ability to convert to acid in the mouth, which then has a damaging effect on your teeth as it erodes away the enamel coating. It is these acids that lead to cavities and long-lasting tooth damage, such as decay and tooth loss. Acidic fruits, teas and sugary sweets or fizzy drinks can wear down your tooth enamel and, whilst you don’t need to completely avoid these foods altogether, try to limit how much you consume.
See your dentist regularly
Your own daily habits are hugely important when it comes to the health of your teeth, but they often aren’t enough to keep long term issues at bay. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings means that they can remove any plaque buildup and keep an eye out for cavities or decay. If you do need specialist treatment, such as all on 4 dental implants, fillings or a deep clean, then your dentist in Warrington, Manchester or local area can help with this.