My mother always used to say you only need to take care of the teeth you want to keep. This is something that rings true and shows that if you want to have good teeth you need to be prepared to look after them.
But what are the best ways to take care of your teeth and is there something else you can do to make sure they stay as healthy as possible? This article will show you how you can take care of your teeth so they give you fewer problems.
It might seem rather obvious to suggest that you should brush your teeth but it’s surprising how many people don’t. It’s thought that only 67% of people brush their teeth 2 or 3 times a day. This means there are 33% of people who only brush their teeth once a day, if at all. If you want to keep your teeth in good condition if at all, you need to brush them at least twice a day.
Floss Daily
When you floss, you pick up all those small pieces of food that were missed by your toothbrush. These small pieces of food can cause tooth decay if they are left there. You should ideally floss once you’ve brushed your teeth in the morning, and again before you go to bed. You’ll be surprised by how many little pieces of food you’ll find.
Visit your Dentist
Your dentist is perhaps one of the best people to help you look after your teeth. This is because they use preventative dentistry to detect anything untoward. Visit your dentist at least once every 6 months so that they can check the health of your teeth and deal with any issues that you find. If you’re anxious about visiting your dentist let them know and they’ll do what they can to put you at ease.
Don’t Smoke
Did you know that smoking can harm your teeth? This is because the chemicals found in tobacco products can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. When this occurs, bacteria are able to stick to your teeth and gums so much more easily. In addition to this, those who smoke are a lot more likely to develop periodontal or gum disease. These conditions can cause your teeth to fall out.
Cut Down on Sugar
Most of us probably have too much sugar in our diets. When we eat a lot of sugary foods or drink sugary drinks, our teeth become damaged. Try to cut down on the amount of sugar you consume so that your teeth are much less likely to become damaged.
Opt for foods and drinks that are low in sugar but be on the lookout for hidden sugars such as glucose and fructose.
As you can see, it’s relatively easy to take care of your teeth. With a little bit of work, you can have teeth that are healthy and stick around for much longer.