10 Tips for a Healthy Smile

You brush your teeth twice a day and floss. Is there really more you can do to take good care of your teeth?

Although brushing and flossing regularly is essential, optimum oral hygiene involves more than just your ordinary routine. Many factors contribute to cavities and gum disease. So even though you brush and floss, it’s likely not enough to keep your smile looking its best.

10 Tips to Healthy Teeth

1. Properly brush your teeth – Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush along with fluoride toothpaste at a 45-degree angle is the correct way to brush. At this angle, you will not only brush your teeth but will brush along the gum line where plaque builds up.
2. Use the right toothpaste – Unless you have a health problem that prevents you from using fluoride, you should choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
3. Floss Daily – Do not ignore this important step. Flossing helps eliminate food particles, and plaque stuck between the gums and enamels that brushing often cannot reach. When food and plaque remain in these areas, it can lead to a build-up of tartar, leading to gum disease.
4. Don’t forget your tongue – Your tongue can house bad bacteria that can lead to bad breath. So give your tongue a gentle scrub with your soft-bristled toothbrush.
5. Use a fluoride mouthwash – Using mouthwash is an important step in preventing gum disease. Fluoride rinses protect tooth enamel from plaque and tartar build-up and also helps rinse away food debris.
6. Keep medical issues in check – Medical issues and diseases like diabetes can harm a person’s oral health. There is a strong link between physical and oral health. So, make sure to take care of your overall health.
7. Pay attention to what you eat and drink – Candy, sugary drinks, and other types of foods create a bad environment in our mouths. The bad bacteria present in our mouth feeds on sugar, creating more bad bacteria, which leads to plaque.
8. Eat foods that are gum healthy – Many foods are good for our oral health. For instance, onions consist of antibacterial properties that help protect your gums. Kale, spinach, and other leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin C, which can help reduce gum inflammation. Finally, cheese and yogurt have protein compounds that help prevent enamel erosion.
9. Regular dental checkups – Regular dental cleanings and checkups serve two important purposes. First, dental cleanings help eliminate plaque buildup that is often missed when brushing and flossing. Second, an exam will identify any issues like gingivitis and gum disease. Early detection is key to prevent other more serious problems.
10. Quit smoking! – Using tobacco products increases a person’s risk of developing gum disease. This is the case even if you take excellent care of your teeth. The sooner you quit, the faster your body begins to heal your gums.

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