Blogs

Image Source

Have you always wanted pearly white teeth for that perfect sparkling smile?

You can get them if you follow a consistent oral hygiene routine. Doing so will help you get strong teeth and gums, and go a long way in developing your overall health.

Maintaining good dental hygiene will require effort and time. However, it will be worthwhile. Failure to take care of your oral health can increase your chances of developing periodontal (gum) diseases and, in some cases, even heart diseases. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease.

Remember, your teeth can make or break your appearance.

Here are a few dental care tips for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.

1. Brush and Floss Your Teeth Correctly

You should follow the below-mentioned basic oral hygiene practices to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth:

• Spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth twice a day.

• Flossing plays a crucial role in daily oral hygiene regimen. Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth.

• Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week as that helps remove stains and whiten them.

• Make sure to always keep your toothbrush clean. Rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store it in an upright position, and allow it to air-dry until using it again. Don't cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers because that can encourage the growth of bacteria on them.

• Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush 3-4 times a year. Make it sooner if the bristles become frayed.

• Consider using dental products that have the ADA seal (American Dental Association) on them as these products are safe to use as directed.

You need to take out a couple of minutes each day to brush and floss your teeth properly. That’s not a lot to ask in return for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Consider following the brushing and flossing techniques recommended by the American Dental Association. Keeping your teeth surfaces clean will help stave off cavities.

2. Consume Fluoride in Appropriate Quantity

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it less likely to decay. Several states in the U.S. began adding fluoride to water supplies around the 1940s to aid dental care. Almost every 3 in 4 Americans with access to public water systems get fluoridated water at present. However, an excess of fluoride can cause white spots on teeth.

Make sure to have your drinking water tested to check the levels of fluoride in it.

3. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Apart from brushing and flossing your teeth, rinse your teeth with antibacterial mouthwash to prevent tooth decay and gum problems. When it comes to using a mouthwash, consult your dentist. He/she may suggest you a regimen, depending on your oral health needs. Remember, rinsing helps remove debris from the mouth, but it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing.

Consider an oral irrigator to remove food particles from your teeth that haven’t been dislodged by flossing or brushing. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect your teeth by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes the acids in your mouth.

4. Avoid Eating Foods That Stain Teeth

Sugary foods, especially carbonated drinks, tend to produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and result in dingy teeth. Limit the consumption of sodas, alcohol, and coffee as they contain high levels of phosphorous, which can lead to dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Sticky candies are big culprits as they linger on teeth surfaces for a long time. Avoid tobacco at all costs. Not only does it stain teeth, but it also significantly increases the risk of gum diseases and oral cancer.

Remember a healthy diet is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables will provide the essential nutrients. Consume calcium-rich foods such as milk, fortified orange juice, yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Calcium is not only good for your teeth but also for your bones.

5. Go for Regular Dental Check-Ups

Ideally, you should get a dental checkup done every 6 months. However, it should be more often if you have a gum disease.

During a routine exam, your dentist will remove plaque build-up that you can’t brush or floss away. A regular dental exam can help detect signs of oral cancer, bruxism (tooth grinding) and gum disease.

Remember, early detection and treatment of problems with your gums, teeth and mouth can help ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

Searching on the Web can help you greatly in finding the right dentist in your area. For instance, if you live in the city of Quincy in Massachusetts, you can search online for Quincy Dentist. This will provide you with a list of relevant results.

Conclusion

Being diligent about dental care and getting regular dental checkups will help prevent plaque buildup in your mouth, thereby saving you from infections and severe dental problems. Following the above-mentioned tips will be a brilliant step toward maintaining excellent, long-term oral health. The aforementioned tips will help you get those pearly whites that you have always dreamed of and smile confidently. It’s time to say cheese and flash those amazing white teeth!