Who doesn’t want white, shiny, and healthy teeth? Well, almost everyone wants to have that Hollywood smile, but only a handful of the population care about their oral health.
There are lots of misconceptions about oral health. If a person has white teeth, it doesn’t mean that his oral health is on point or his teeth are healthy.
Many studies have found a direct connection of one’s oral health to his/her overall health. Having healthy and strong teeth requires daily effort. To avoid any cavities or plaque, it is essential to take care of your gum health.
Healthier gums signify that the person is concerned about their oral health and takes care of it, and on the top of that, a healthy smile also helps to boost your confidence.
There are a few important and necessary tips that everyone should follow if they want to keep their teeth and gum healthier and avoid any oral health problems.
Below mentioned are the ten tips by dental experts at Conway House Dental Practice, to look after your teeth.
BRUSH TWICE A DAY
It’s the most cliched piece of advice, but if followed, it does have a significant effect on one’s oral health.
After you take your meals, for some time, your mouth becomes acidic, and if left like this for the entire day, it can lead to tooth decay.
That’s why it is essential to brush twice a day first in the morning and then at night before sleeping, this way you’re eliminating all the oral health problems.
USE LIMITED FLUORIDE
No doubt that fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and teeth, but if consumed in excess amounts or below the recommended quantity, it can lead to tooth decay.
Healthier gums need a proper amount of fluoride, as it helps in preventing any cavities or plaque.
So, always check before buying toothpaste or mouthwash, it must contain the proper amount of fluoride not too less and not too much, just the right proportion.
FLOSSING
Now while brushing your teeth, sometimes it gets difficult to remove the food particles stuck between the teeth.
It’s necessary to remove these particles as this could damage your teeth, resulting in deposition of plaque or any other oral problem.
The most effective way is to use a thread for flossing. Take a thread and gently floss it between the teeth to remove the particles, don’t use too much pressure you may get a cut.
Although many toothbrush brands claim their brush to be a complete package, the reality is not the same.
It’s better to use this method every day, either in the morning or at night.
MOUTHWASH
Even though mouthwash cannot substitute brushing and flossing, but, it can surely complement these methods.
Mouthwash brands which have all the essential elements and oils such as chlorhexidine which prevents plaque formation are considered better than their counterparts.
Take a little bit of mouthwash either in the morning or at night and rinse it for at least 5 to 10 min for better gum health.
AVOID EXCESS OF SUGARY AND ACIDIC FOODS
In all our childhood we have been told not to overeat sweets or not to drink too many carbonated drinks.
We might have ignored these as a child, but we can’t ignore the fact that excess sugar and acid intake can lead to many oral health problems.
It’s not about leaving all the sweets and starch; instead, it’s more about keeping a limit when it’s about oral health.
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER
Water is one of the fundamental aspects of human survival, but it is also very crucial for our gum health.
If we don’t drink enough water throughout the day, the acid that gets accumulated in our mouth will not be neutralised.
Water not only neutralises the acid but it also keeps our gum fresh throughout the day.
AVOID SMOKING
Have you ever seen a person who smokes, you must have noticed the colour of their teeth and lips, it becomes darker and yellowish, well that is all because of smoking.
The chemicals present in it are very harmful not only for your general health but also for your oral health.
So, always avoid smoking as it’s not beneficial for your all-over health.
OIL PULLING
Yes, you heard it, it’s not a spelling mistake, we are talking about oil pulling. No doubt many of you must be familiar with this term but don’t worry, it has always been there since ancient times.
This practice is considered as a panacea for our oral health; many believe it eliminates 50% of your health problem as your mouth is directly linked to different body parts.
All you need is an edible oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, etc. Take a tablespoon of oil and rinse it thoroughly for 15 to 20 min, after that spit it on a tissue.
Do give it a try.
SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE
You have brushed your teeth, flossed them, rinsed your mouth with mouthwash, now what, we can’t forget about our tongue. Its care is not negotiable.
Right after brushing, make sure to scrape your tongue from back to front for 8 to 10 times. What this does is, it removes all the bad saliva that sets at the back of your tongue.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY
After doing the necessary things to keep your gums healthier, there still might be some little health problems that you might not be able to identify, that’s why you should let your dentist take a look at that.
Once in a while, make sure to visit your dentist to take a more in-depth check on any hidden oral problems. There is also screening for oral cancer on a regular basis, a simple step which can prevent serious issues in future
FAQ’S
How can we keep our teeth healthy?
Your smile and overall oral health play a vital role in your personality, not taking care of it will lead to serious oral problems, that’s’ why following an oral care routine will help you in maintaining proper oral and gum health.
You can also check out the above tips to look after your teeth.
How can I improve my teeth naturally?
The simple answer is to avoid all the wrong food items that may cause any oral problems such as smoking and drinking, and eating fresh and healthy foods.
Also, make sure you don’t try to eat anything hard as it may affect your gum and teeth.
How can I take care of my teeth and gums at home?
You surely can take care of your overall oral health, to do that you can follow our above guide this will give you an idea of all the do’s and don’ts.
Apart from that do visit your dentist from time to time.
There is no way that one should ever neglect their oral health; it’s the first thing people notice about you. To keep your teeth and gum healthy, there are few simple steps anyone can follow which are listed above.
So, if you’re struggling to maintain oral health, you should check out our above guide and follow them. You can also visit Conway House dental Practice in High Wycombe for further assistance.