Tips for Better Teeth

We all want healthier teeth, here are five tips to help ensure your teeth are healthier than ever

  1. Brush your teeth well & often
  2. Don’t forget to floss
  3. Watch what you eat
  4. Break bad habits
  5. Visit your dentist office on a regular basis

Your oral health is connected to your over all health. Did you know that if periodontal disease or other oral health issues are left untreated more serious health issues may arise such as heart disease, oral cancer, diabetes and respiratory problems? Stay consistent with brushing and flossing correctly, eating the right foods and staying away from non healthy habits can ensure great oral health. Follow these tips and your whole body, as well as your bank account, will benefit!

1. Brush your teeth well and often

Dentists recommend you brush your teeth after every meal or a least two times a day for three minutes each time. Start brushing the back of the bottom teeth then move to the front, do the same to your top teeth. When brushing your teeth use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride and carries the ADA (American Dental Society) seal of approval. Don’t forget to brush the roof of your mouth and tongue. Also using mouthwash once a day will help freshen your breath and cut down on unwanted plaque and other bacteria.

2. Don’t forget to floss

Floss your teeth once a day, preferable at night. Flossing can reach places that your toothbrush can’t and is the best way to get rid of debris that can get between your gums and teeth which causes plaque to form. Flossing also prevents decay which is the cause of cavities and gum disease.

3. Watch what you eat

Eating a nutritious well balanced diet will not only keep you strong and healthy but keep your teeth strong and healthy. Calcium is key in building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Cutting back on foods that are sugary or high in acidity will help reduce the risk of cavities and erosion of the enamel on your teeth. To much sugar can cause sensitivity to your teeth, to much red wine, coffee, soda or tea can cause teeth discoloration and spicy foods or foods with a lot of garlic can cause lingering bad breath.

4. Break bad habits

Bad habits can cause havoc on your teeth and wallet. The use of tobacco products not only cause cancer but cause periodontal disease, tooth loss, bad breath and teeth discoloration. Biting and chewing on hard objects such as candy, pen caps and finger nails can cause teeth to weaken and break. Grinding your teeth in your sleep can also cause pain and damage. If you deal with any of these speak to your oral care provider on how they can assist you in breaking your bad habit.

5. Visit your dentist office on a regular basis

Most oral care providers recommend you visit your dental office at least twice a year for an exam and cleaning. These visit are important for a number of reasons including reducing bad breath, keeping your teeth health and white, cleaning away plaque and tarter as well as checking for periodontal disease. If you wait until you feel the pain of a cavity or other dental problem it might be too late. Something that could have been as simple a filling of a cavity could turn into a root canal procedure if you wait until you feel pain or see discoloration. Good preventive oral health now could save you in dental bills later on.