Tips For Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

 

It’s everyone’s wish to have healthy teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and can help prevent bad breath and more complicated oral health issues. But, how do you tell if you’re doing a good job of taking care of your teeth? Here are some tips to help you maintain your smile looking its best.

Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice A Day

Any dentist in Kitsilano will always tell you that brushing your teeth at least twice a day is key to maintaining your healthy and sparkling smile. Plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth throughout the day, so giving them a good brush in the morning and before you go to sleep at night is essential. 

Also, if you eat sugary snacks or drink sodas throughout the day, brushing your teeth afterward is a good idea to prevent tooth decay.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Most people are familiar with fluoride to prevent cavities, but few know exactly how it works. Fluoride is an essential mineral occurring naturally in water, and it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent the formation of cavities.

When used in toothpaste, fluoride provides even more protection against decay. In fact, as per the American Dental Association, “toothpaste containing fluoride reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.” Fluoride toothpaste is an integral part of a good oral care routine.

Not only does this help curb cavities, but it also helps to keep teeth looking white and shiny. For these reasons, fluoride toothpaste is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to keep their smile looking its best.

Floss Daily

Flossing is a vital part of good oral hygiene, yet many people do not do it regularly or correctly. Flossing does away with plaque and bacteria between the teeth and the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach.

If plaque is not done away with on time, it can harden into calculus, also known as tartar. Tartar can result in gum disease, which can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss. While brushing twice a day helps to remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, only flossing can remove plaque from in between the teeth.

For best results, floss at least once daily, preferably at night, before bed. To floss the right way, use about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around each middle finger. Hold the floss taut firmly between your thumbs and index fingers and gently guide it up and down between your teeth. Use a clean part of your floss for every tooth.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even if you brush and floss daily, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings once every six months. During a routine cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove any tartar that has built up on your teeth.

They will also check for the signs of gum disease and tooth decay. If caught early, both of these conditions are highly treatable. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health.

At Monalisa Dental Centre, it’s recommended that you visit us every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup. However, if you have concerns about your oral health in between visits, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Don’t Smoke

Most people are much aware of the dangers of smoking in terms of lung health, but few realize its detrimental effect on their teeth. Smoking is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and it can also lead to other problems such as gum disease, stained teeth, and bad breath.

The nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the teeth and gums. This creates a welcoming environment for bacteria growth, leading to infection and inflammation.

In addition, the constant exposure to tobacco smoke dries out the mouth, allowing bacteria to grow more rapidly. For these reasons, it is essential to avoid smoking if you want to keep your teeth healthy and avoid costly dental problems later.

Be Mindful Of What You Eat

Watching what you eat is vital for keeping your teeth healthy. While you may not think about it, the foods you eat can significantly impact your teeth.

Eating sugary or acidic foods can damage your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. Sticky foods, like candy or dried fruit, can also get stuck in your teeth and cause cavities.

Additionally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to remove plaque from your teeth and keep them looking clean and bright. So next time you’re reaching for a snack, remember to choose something that will be good for your teeth and overall health.

Drink More Water

Water is essential for good oral health. It helps to rinse away food and bacteria, and it also helps to keep your mouth hydrated.

A dry mouth is a breeding home for bacteria, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential. Aim to drink not less than eight glasses of water a day or more if you can.

On top of drinking plain water, you can also look for foods high in water, such as fruits and vegetables. These foods keep your mouth healthy and hydrated while providing other vital nutrients.

Use Your Teeth For What They’re Intended

Your teeth are designed for chewing food, not opening bottles or tearing off packaging. Using your teeth as tools can damage them and lead to costly dental problems.

If you need to open a bottle or package, find a pair of scissors or another tool that can do the job instead of using your teeth. Your teeth will thank you in the long run.

Conclusion

Dental health is essential, and it’s worth taking the time to care for your teeth properly. By following these tips mentioned above, you can avoid costly dental problems down the road and keep your smile looking its best.