Teeth are a vital part of our lives. They allow us to eat all different kinds of textured foods, a crunchy apple, a chewy piece of meat, or sticky treats such as popcorn! Without them, enjoying a range of flavors and foods can be hard. They are also a key part of our smile, which is one of the most important ways we can communicate with each other, help us talk properly, and complement our face structure!
That said, it is clear that healthy teeth benefit us in plenty of ways, but how do we take care of them?
We only have two sets of natural teeth over our entire life – the pressure is on us to keep on top of their maintenance so they can see us through old age.
This piece is going to look at some important tips for taking care of your teeth so that you can have those pearly whites for as long as possible, so let’s get into it!
1) Never Sleep Without Brushing Your Teeth
Going to bed without at least showing your teeth the toothbrush is a recipe for disaster. When food is left on the tooth for a long time, it turns into plaque as the bacteria from your mouth mixes with the sugar or starch consumed. Plaque is acidic and is definitely not enamel friendly, so you need to clean it off and from between your teeth straight away. Leaving this acid on your teeth for too long will start to break down the enamel on your teeth which will cause lots of issues such as causing cavities, sensitive teeth, and pain. Cavities can also lead to infections, which can also be dangerous to overall health – not just your mouth!
If you go to sleep without brushing your teeth, you leave the bacteria on your teeth for 7-8 hours – enough time to start causing damage. Always try to brush and floss your teeth before you hit the hay to give your teeth a break!
2) Floss Daily
Flossing may seem like an optional extra, but it is actually an essential if we want to keep our teeth in good condition. Plaque is exceptionally great at finding hiding spaces and sticking there, and the longer the plaque sits, the faster it turns into tartar. Tartar is the hardening of plaque and is also known as calculus build-up. It is not exactly life-threatening. However, it can make it much more difficult to get in between your teeth to further prevent cavities and can also cause issues such as gum disease, which can seriously impact your health.
Another issue that can make it difficult to floss your teeth is if your teeth are crooked. There are no health issues related to this, and it is completely natural for your teeth not to be straight, but if you are finding it difficult to brush in between them or keep them clean, you might want to look at having them straightened for better oral hygiene.
Invisible braces can be a great option for those who want straighter teeth in a non-obvious and gentler manner. Just be sure to go to a trusted specialist for a consultation, and ask all the questions you want before you go ahead!
3) Electric is Best
Manual toothbrushes are fine when they are used properly. However, it can be difficult to get into harder-to-reach areas than the electric toothbrushes that are designed with smaller and more precise heads. However, that is not the only reason that many dentists recommend them over your standard toothbrush. The vibrating mechanism loosens the plaque so you can brush it away more effectively and easily, giving your teeth a deeper clean, thus keeping them healthier! It can also be beneficial for your gums!
Grab yourself an electric toothbrush and notice the difference in the reach along with the cleanliness!
4) Regular Dentist Trips
Keeping your oral hygiene on top will require seeing a dentist 1-2 times a year to check everything is as it should be. This is essential for ensuring your teeth are taken care of, but dentists can also spot other issues that you might not be aware of that could affect your health. If you’re not a fan of the dentist, you wouldn’t be alone, but letting them know that you’re a nervous patient will enable them to make the necessary adjustments to help them make your visit as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.
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