Do you have shining white teeth and desire to maintain it that way for years to come? Or are you worried about bad breath or gums that make your smile less appealing?
You see, teeth and gums are two of the most overlooked parts of the body when it comes to beauty. But caring for them is important. Bad breath or brown teeth and gums can ruin your smile and selfies.
Simply brushing every morning isn’t all there is to tooth care. Here are some best practices for healthy gums and teeth.
1. Brush regularly but gently
Although most people know that brushing morning and night is one of the most important tips for clean teeth, it’s only effective when done correctly.
Brush gently in circular motions for at least 2 minutes. Do not saw back and forth.
Brushing too hard can harm the gum and teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and change your brush every 3 months.
2. Never forget your tongue
Your tongue contributes to your overall health, so you shouldn’t ignore it. Plaque builds on your tongue and can lead to mouth odor, among other oral issues. Brush your tongue gently whenever you do the same for your teeth.
3. Floss as often as you can
Plaque can grow in areas that a brush’s bristles cannot reach, such as between two teeth. Flossing daily using a threadlike material or some other specialized tool can help prevent plaque from accumulating between your teeth.
Flossing can be quite challenging, especially when you’re just getting started, so learn the easy way to do it or get ready-to-use dental flossers.
4. See a dentist routinely
Experts recommend seeing a dentist twice a year. If you’re concerned about your teeth health and beauty, then a regular visit to a dental clinic should be on your to-do list. Your dentist will check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
Dental checkups are important because tooth decay and plaque may develop gradually without experiencing any symptoms.
5. Avoid smoking
One of the greatest causes of poor oral health is smoking. The CDC associates smoking with gum disease. Also, smoking harms your immune system and may slow down healing after a dental procedure.
6. Use mouthwash
Mouthwash reduces the acid level in the mouth, cleans those hard-to-brush areas around the gums, and nourishes the teeth.
If you can’t floss properly, then you really should be using mouthwash. Your dentist should know the best product appropriate for you.
7. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride
Fluoride deficiency can lead to tooth decay. Unfortunately, not all toothpaste products contain fluoride. Ensure yours does. Some people avoid fluoride because it affects other aspects of our health, but it’s a must-use when it comes to oral health.
8. Replace sugary drinks with water
Excessive sugar consumption is one of the leading causes of cavities. Candies, desserts, name it. Sugar converts into acid in the mouth and causes harm. Hence, it’s important to drink water immediately after eating to flush down any sugar stuck in your mouth.
Caring for your teeth is much easier than most other self-care routines. However, many people neglect it.
Giving due attention to your dentition will help you maintain a set of teeth you’d be proud to display for years to come.