There is more to keeping your teeth healthy than simply brushing and flossing. Keeping up with your dental routine is very important to keep your teeth healthy but you have probably been told to brush and floss daily since you knew how to hold a toothbrush. What about tongue care? What about your diet? What kind of toothpaste do you use?
These are all important aspects that you need to consider to brush up on your oral care and keep your teeth as clean, white and as healthy as possible.
We spoke to our hygienist and these are a couple of tips we have found for you to keep your teeth healthy and white.
Limit sugary foods
Sugar causes tooth decay. This is because sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which essentially erodes the enamel of your teeth causing cavities. This is why it is so important to avoid sugary food and drinks with a high sugar content. Even some types of food that may seem healthy and good for you such as fruits can contain high levels of sugar. Sugar is everywhere these days and even though it might be impossible to cut down completely on the sugar intake we all should aim to keep it to a minimum.
Don’t neglect your tongue
At the end of the brushing, once you have brushed your teeth, don’t forget also to brush your tongue. Tongue brushing is often overlooked but is important to remove bacteria from your mouth, keeping your mouth and teeth healthy and avoiding bad breath! Plaque can also build up on your tongue as well as your teeth. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
There are toothbrushes with short bristles at the back to help brush your tongue. There are also specifically made tongue scrapers that are essentially toothbrushes for your tongue that you can buy from us on your next visit to Maida Smiles Clinic or online.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is a leading defence against tooth decay. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the amount of choices of toothpaste available to choose from. It doesn’t necessarily matter what version you choose, just make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride is not just for kids, it is a natural mineral that fights germs that lead to tooth decay and hardens tooth enamel, helping prevent cavities.
Choose what you drink wisely
What you drink can affect your health and your teeth. Soft drinks and sugary juices are one of the main causes of tooth decay. Drinks such as wine are known to stain your teeth. Drinking less soft drinks and more water and milk can help protect your teeth. Water continues to be the best drink for your health, definitely including your oral health. As a rule of thumb, it?s good to drink water with and in between every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and drinks in between brushes.
See your dentist at least twice a year
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Even the most dutiful brushers need to see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist and dental hygienist are there to help you. Regular visits will allow your dentist to create a daily brushing and flossing plan tailored to the specific needs of your teeth. Your dentist will also be able to remove calculus and look for cavities which you will not be able to do from home. They will also be able to spot any other potential issues that you may have and offer treatment.
