Teeth are an incredibly important part of our lives, helping us chew food, speak clearly, and also impacting the overall look of our smile. But as we age, sometimes we allow them to become weak and less healthy.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your teeth strong and healthy from home. In this article, you’ll learn about the importance of brushing correctly and using the correct tools for flossing. In addition, get information on how diet and lifestyle changes can help support healthy teeth.
1. Create a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Establishing good dental hygiene habits is essential for strong, healthy teeth. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each with a fluoride toothpaste can help to protect against decay and cavities while keeping your teeth clean and freshening your breath.
- Use a proper brushing technique. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, once in the morning and once before bed, to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Hold your toothbrush against your teeth at a 45-degree angle, with the bristles pointing towards the gum line. Brush in circular motions for about two minutes, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops.
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to remineralize the enamel on your teeth and makes them stronger.
- Don’t forget to clean your tongue. Cleaning your tongue is an important part of oral hygiene because the tongue can harbor bacteria that can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. The tongue is covered in small bumps called papillae, which provide a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. When you brush your teeth, it’s important to also clean your tongue to remove this buildup of bacteria and improve your oral health.
- Floss. Flossing is important for keeping your teeth healthy because it helps to remove plaque and food particles that can become trapped between your teeth, where your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. When these particles are not removed, they create harmful bacteria that can lead to the development of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Avoid over-brushing your teeth. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can wear down the tooth enamel over time, making your teeth more prone to decay.
2. Pay Attention To Your Diet
Having a balanced diet full of healthy foods is a great way to keep your teeth strong. Calcium-rich foods and foods such as leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits—which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals—can help promote oral health by providing important nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel. These foods also contain fiber, which stimulates saliva production to help clean the mouth of harmful acids that cause cavities and decay. Eating lean protein rich foods, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and seeds can also contribute to improved dental health.
Limiting sugar intake is another important step for ensuring healthier teeth, since sugar fuels plaque build-up and wears down enamel.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. A diet that’s high in calcium and vitamin D can help to strengthen your teeth and bones.
- Limit sugary and starchy foods. Foods and drinks that are high in refined sugar can weaken your tooth enamel. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks like candy and soft drinks.
- Limit acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth, so it’s important to limit your consumption of these items, including citrus fruits and fruit juices.
- Address any diet-related health issues. If you suffer from digestive issues like acid reflux or heartburn, speak with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan. These problems can lead to acid erosion of the tooth enamel.
- Drink plenty of water. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and weakened tooth enamel, so be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep your tooth enamel strong.
3. Take a Multivitamin
It can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need from your diet alone. f you struggle to maintain a healthy diet, consider supplementing with a multivitamin to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for strong teeth. Make sure your supplement contains the following important vitamins.
Taking a multivitamin is essential for promoting stronger teeth and healthier gums. Vitamins such as A, C, D, and E are needed to keep your mouth healthy. Vitamin A while vitamin C . Vitamin D while vitamin E keeps gums strong. Together these vitamins help promote stronger teeth and healthier gums by reducing acidity in the mouth and regulating bacteria growth, providing added protection against cavities and tooth decay.
- Calcium: aids in building and maintaining strong teeth and bones
- Magnesium: helps the body absorb calcium
- Vitamin A: helps to protect and repair the soft tissues in the mouth
- Vitamin C: boosts immunity
- Vitamin D: works with calcium to strengthen teeth enamel
- Vitamin E: keeps gums strong
- Take a probiotic. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can positively impact your overall health, including your oral health. Research has shown that certain probiotics can help to strengthen your teeth by reducing the levels of harmful bacteria in your mouth and promoting a healthy balance of oral bacteria.
4. Protect Your Teeth
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging, as this can chip or break your teeth.
- See your dentist if you grind your teeth. Bruxism can cause weak teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, see your dentist to get a nightguard to protect your teeth.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Finally, make sure to keep up with regular dental visits to maintain strong and healthy teeth. A thorough examination of your mouth will help to spot any problem areas, as well as catch decay or cavities before they get more serious. Regular cleanings will remove plaque buildup, preventing gum disease and tooth loss.
Call us today to schedule your dental visit to keep your teeth healthy and strong!