Brush and floss regularly
Brush at least two times per day to avoid bacterial accumulation. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and then brush in small strokes that appropriately covers each tooth. Brush the inner, outer, and chewing layer. Also, brush your tongue. Brush gently so as not to chip away your enamel. Use a fluoride toothpaste for enamel protection.
Flossing is also necessary because it can reach in the crevices that a regular toothbrush can’t. These areas include under the gumline and between the teeth. The goal is to remove plaque buildup which can house bacteria that leads to oral infection. It is recommended to floss at least once a day. Flossing should be performed with care so as not to damage your gums. Flossing is just as important as brushing.
Get regular dental checkups
It is important to have a preventative approach when it comes to taking care of oral health. If you do not regularly consult with your dentist, there might be diseases that are accumulating in your mouth that you are not aware of. By the time the symptoms accrue, the damage is already done and it may be harder to treat. Dental check-ups lower the risk of oral health problems. The recommended number of times for consult is two to four times per year.
To look for a dentist, simply search online for the appropriate keywords, like “best dentist in Phoenix” or “dentist in Surprise AZ.” Make sure that the dentist you choose is credible enough to be entrusted with your oral health care. Thoroughly research their backgrounds and accomplishments in the dental field. As soon as you find one, set up an appointment and inquire if you can come in for quarterly check-ups.
Get regular cleaning
You may do your part by brushing your teeth thrice a day and flossing once, but those may be insufficient. These cleaning methods are often superficial. There’s a different level of cleaning required for stains that are deeply embedded below your enamel. That’s where regular professional cleaning comes in. With cleaning, you can prevent such stains from accumulating and causing the long-term stain. Dentists can also view the nooks and crannies that you don’t typically see when you open your mouth wide, in front of a mirror. They can clean your teeth through water jets, whitening strips, or bleaching. Avoiding discoloration is a must because your pearly whites must stay white for them to leave a good impression. Having white teeth will give off an impression of youthfulness and being hygienic.
Eat a healthy diet
Like the rest of your body, your oral health depends on good nutrition for it to thrive. One of the areas that will decline once you intake a poor diet is your oral region. There are numerous foods that can benefit your oral health. Cheese is a good example because it is said to raise the pH level of the mouth and lessens the rate of tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium, which is great for your enamel. Hooray for cheese lovers!
Another food is yogurt, which has high levels of protein and calcium, both of which are good for protecting the enamel. The probiotics or “beneficial bacteria” found in yogurt can also benefit your gums. These good bacteria can crowd out the bad ones, thus preventing the onset of oral diseases. If you wish to add yogurt to your diet, make sure to select the plain one rather than the ones with sugar.
Green leafy vegetables are always on the lists for recommended food due to their abundance in vitamins and minerals while having a low-calorie count. Kale and spinach are particularly good for oral health due to the presence of calcium and folic acid, a type of vitamin which is said to fight gum diseases in pregnant women. You can eat green vegetables as toppings, as a viand, or as a smoothie.
Another recommendation is an apple. Apples contain a lot of fiber and water. Its sweetness will activate the salivary glands in the mouth and the influx of fluids can help flush away oral bacteria. The fibers can also “scrub” your gums to clean them. This does not mean that they are good substitutes to brushing one’s teeth.
Almonds are also great for your teeth because of their abundance in protein and calcium while having low sugar levels.
Avoid sticky food
Sticky food is the bacteria’s best friend. It makes their adhesion to the teeth’s surface easier. This means that they can stick to the crevices of your oral region and multiply. They can also enable the tartar to build up. This food can also source as a food source for these bacteria, which can lead to oral health complications. These sticky foods include candies, gums, licorice sticks, caramels, and the like. You might also notice that all of the aforementioned contain absurd amounts of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay.
Use mouthwash
Using mouthwash, along with brushing your teeth and flossing, can kill the bacteria associated with tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), bad breath, and plaque build up. Contrary to the popular belief that mouthwashes are used for instant fresh breath, they actually have more uses than just that. Aside from the aforementioned antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, they can also be used for teeth whitening and teeth strengthening. The ingredients vary by brand. Most brands suggest that you rinse with a mouthwash within twenty-four hours of brushing your teeth. Swish the liquid around for about thirty seconds to make sure that it hits all the areas — the surface of the tongue, the roof of the mouth, inner and outer teeth, and gums. Avoid swallowing the fluids as they tend to be toxic due to the strong agents within them.
Clean your tongue regularly
Cleaning your tongue must be a part of your regular oral health routine. Bacteria can immediately start building upon the surfaces of the teeth, gums, and tongue as soon as after brushing one’s teeth. The tongue’s surface is packed with taste buds that have tiny crevices in them, which can serve as a home to bacterial growth and accumulation. If left unattended, this can develop into serious oral health issues. It can also give you bad oral breath. To brush it, gently use a soft toothbrush or the tongue brush that is usually located at the back of the toothbrush head. Do not brush too vigorously to avoid damage.
Stop smoking
Smoking may be popularly known to be bad for your lungs, but they have severe consequences on the teeth, too. The most prominent effect is how bad smoking can stain your teeth. These stains are so severe that you need professional cleaning or bleaching to remove them. The stains come from the nicotine, which is an active compound in tobacco. Stop smoking so as to prevent the nicotine stains from accumulating on the surfaces of your teeth. The other components of tobacco, such as cyanide, are so dangerous that they can erode your teeth’s enamel. They can also cause tooth decay.
Get braces or retainers
Braces or retainers are great for keeping your teeth perfectly aligned. Aside from cosmetic purposes, they also have a health benefit too. If your teeth will be allowed to grow in any direction, it can cause severe pain as it will push against the other teeth and cause more misalignment and complications.
Get your decaying teeth out
Once your teeth have started the decaying process, it’s usually a lost cause. You should get them pulled out or surgically removed because the unhealthy areas of a decaying tooth can house a lot of bacteria and microbes. Decaying teeth also emit a strong and unpleasant smell which can be distracting and unprofessional. The bacteria that caused the tooth decay can also proliferate on the other teeth which can spread the decay.
Overall, taking care of your oral health may be an arduous process. It requires a lot of steps that are implemented regularly. However, these good habits can yield you good results in the long run.