Many people take their teeth for granted. It is easy to think that your teeth are something that will always be there to give you a bright smile and help you eat your favorite foods. Dentists agree that strong and functional teeth require more than just hoping and brushing them once or twice a day. In order to make sure your teeth stay strong, proper oral hygiene is essential.
How many times have you heard from dentists that you should brush and floss two times every day? This is very important advice. You should brush and floss at least every morning and every evening. Getting into this habit can keep your mouth healthy. And even if you have lost your floss or you are out, Mother Nature has you covered. Eating crunchy, hard foods like apples and carrots can help naturally clean your teeth. Also, rinse your mouth after each meal. Mouthwash is the best option, but water will work too. This helps to kill any germs in your mouth and it can help mask odors.
The next important step is to visit your dentist every six months. Even if your teeth appear nice and clean on the outside, there can be plaque and bacteria lurking in places that you are unable to see in the mirror. Your dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth and assure that your mouth is healthy.
The foods you eat can also help. You can keep your teeth strong by eating foods with calcium. Your teeth and gums are made of calcium, so it is important that you consume this healthy nutrient. Foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt, and soybeans contain the calcium needed to keep your mouth healthy.
Vitamin D also helps strengthen your teeth. We get this from the sun and it assists the absorption of calcium into your body. This is another benefit of spending time outdoors. If you do not get enough vitamin D, your doctor can check your levels.
A third healthy vitamin for your oral hygiene is Vitamin C. If your diet is low in this vitamin, it can cause many dental problems, such as bleeding gums and loose teeth. Eating grapefruit, oranges, and other foods high in Vitamin C can help keep your mouth healthy.
Also, avoiding sugary foods is something that dentists always advise to ensure a healthy mouth. Foods that contain high amounts of sugar, such as candy and soda, convert to acids when they get inside your mouth and can decay your teeth.
Finally, saliva is crucial as it battles the bacteria in your mouth. By eating foods that help promote the production of saliva, you are helping your mouth fight bacteria. Drinking water can help produce saliva and it also helps clean your mouth and clear bacteria. Eating sour foods like cranberries, cherries, lemons, and limes also promote saliva production.
Taking care of your teeth is important for many reasons. Use the dentist approved information shared here and you will always have something to smile about.
