We’re taught to take care of our teeth at an early age. Everyone knows it by heart.
According to a 2019 survey, more than eight out of ten adults in the US recognize the importance of proper oral care. Clean and healthy teeth are often associated with good personal and professional life.
Although people are aware of the importance of dental health, many people struggle to maintain perfect teeth. CDC estimates that around 31.6% of adults have untreated dental caries and 16.9% among children. Furthermore, nearly 7 in 10 adults made a dental visit in the past year. Meanwhile, 9 in 10 children visited their dentists in the past year.
Here are some ways to maintain clean and perfect white teeth.
Regular dental visits
San Diego dentists from Bajars Dental emphasized the importance of regular dental visits in keeping your teeth truly clean. Unlike your daily dental cleanup, dentists perform deep cleaning that removes dental caries and stains, as well as, diagnose and treat other oral health issues. Regular cleaning by a dental hygienist ensures perfect oral health and alerts you of potential sooner. Remember, the earlier your dentist detects a problem, the less painful and costly it will be to resolve it.
Dentists offer various dental procedures to address specific teeth, gum, and other tissues of the oral cavity. They can also perform preventive dentistry procedures and oral cancer screening. Likewise, dentists offer dental aesthetic procedures that can make your teeth appear whiter and smoother.
Practice proper brushing and flossing technique
If you’re not brushing your teeth properly, you might not be able to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly even if you’re doing it twice a day. This makes it important to know and perform the proper technique. It’s easy to get used to the wrong procedure, especially if you’re doing it daily. So, take a moment to observe your technique now and then.
Here’s how to brush your teeth properly: apply a copious amount of toothpaste, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, use short, circular motion with brush pointed towards the gum; and focus on each tooth for at least 10-15 minutes. Gently brush your tongue and gums, as well. Follow these steps to effectively clean your teeth. Better yet, you can ask your dentists to demonstrate proper brushing on your next appointment.
Alongside brushing, you also need daily flossing to clean areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. But just like brushing, you need to do it properly. Get a strand of floss and wrap about two inches between fingers. For every tooth, unroll a fresh section. Press the floss tight against the tooth to get rid of buildup. Be careful not to hurt the gums. Take note that improper flossing can hurt and even damage your gums.
Use fluoride-enhanced toothpaste and mouthwash
Although are teeth are covered with hardy substance, called enamel, it is not invulnerable to damage. Over time, our teeth can be covered with plaque. This unwanted deposit harbors bacteria which then secrete acid that can weaken the teeth’s outer surface. Fluoride works by putting back the mineral (also known as remineralization) thereby keeping it intact.
Regular use of fluoride dental products helps you achieve whiter and healthier teeth. Nowadays, there are many toothpaste and mouthwash types and brands. Make sure to read labels and look for one that is rich in fluoride.
Chew sugarless gums
There are times when you’re unable to brush your teeth. To keep your oral cavity clean in between brushings, sugarless gum can help you.
Chewing a pack of sugar-free gum lets your oral cavity produce saliva which contains enzymes. These salivary compounds come with antibacterial properties that fend off bacteria in your mouth. It prevents plaque build-up and eventual dental caries. Just make sure it is sugar-free or else you’ll be having more problems.
Stop smoking
Smoking can cause numerous dental problems such as tooth discoloration, bad breath, the buildup of tartar and plaque, gum disease or gingivitis, and tooth loss. Tobacco can stain your teeth and once your teeth begin discoloration, it can be very tough to remove. It can make your teeth look brown or yellow, which is very unsightly.
If you want a truly clean and healthier oral health, you need to quit smoking. Aside from dental health, quitting smoking has many other health benefits. It’s a tough but worthwhile lifestyle change.
Eat healthy foods
A healthy diet is important in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Fiber-rich foods, particularly crunchy fruits, and vegetables can remove stains and scrape off plaque buildup in between crevices. Make sure to include fresh fruits like apples, pears, and oranges in your daily diet.
You also need calcium-rich food such as cheese, milk, and other dairy products, which can help neutralize the acid in the oral cavity. Likewise, calcium foods help strengthen your teeth and thereby avoid tooth decay and discoloration.
Drink plenty of water
Lastly, you need to drink plenty of water. Ideally, you need to drink water now and then to wash away excess food and other debris left in your mouth. Proper hydration encourages saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean. Avoid sugar-rich and citrusy beverages as they can cause tooth decay.
Final Thoughts
Proper dental hygiene requires consistency. Cleaning your teeth requires small, simple things that you need to do daily. It can be easy to forget or falter with your oral care. To stay motivated, just think of the serious consequence of poor oral care such as tooth loss, gum disease, cavities, and other health problems.
Keep your teeth healthy and clean in between dental appointments by following these tips. All of these dental hygiene tasks can pay off with a good general overall health. Live a healthier, better life with clean teeth.
