When you have
fresh breath and white teeth, the only thing you can do is to smile, and
these easy tips will help you make your smile healthier and more
beautiful in a jiff. While some people are blessed with perfect teeth,
others have numerous dental issues. Luckily, proper care can prevent
most dental issues. Gum disease, for instance, is caused by plaque, a
sticky film of bacteria which builds up on, and in between, the teeth.
To avoid it and other dental problems, you need to develop certain
dental habits.
1
Don’t use your teeth as tools
When it comes to
teeth, one of the biggest mistakes people do is use their teeth like a
tool. I have used my teeth to remove tags from clothing, crack nuts and
open packages, but it’s very dangerous. We all should know that the
teeth are meant only for chewing food and we should never use them as
tools. Using your teeth to open bottles and packages can create little
fractures in the enamel, which can lead to big cracks and big issues.
2
Choose your toothpaste wisely
Sure,
it’s easier to buy cheap toothpaste because you might think there’s no
difference between expensive and cheap toothpaste. However, it’s
essential to choose toothpaste wisely. Most kinds of toothpaste contain
glycerin that may do more harm than good. The thing is, glycerin coats
the teeth and prevents remineralization. Like bones, teeth are composed
of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals, which are all delivered to
teeth through saliva. When these minerals cannot get in teeth, your
teeth are not as strong as they should be. So, make sure you buy
glycerin free toothpaste.
3
Brush your teeth every day
While
this tip is the easiest, many people forget to brush their teeth twice a
day daily. Brushing your teeth regularly removes plaque from the
surface of your teeth. Just ensure you brush them correctly. You should
hold your toothbrush at about 45 degree angle, where your gums and teeth
meet, and brush your teeth gently moving your toothbrush back and
forth, using short strokes. You should also brush every tooth 15-20
times with a soft toothbrush.
4
Clean your tongue
When it
comes to a beautiful and healthy smile, I’m sure the last thing that
comes to your mind is cleaning your tongue. Believe it or not, it’s
important to clean your tongue regularly since it harbors many bacteria.
You can brush your tongue using your toothbrush, but I recommend using a
tongue scraper. It’s not expensive, but if you can’t buy it, I suggest
using a spoon like I actually do. A spoon makes good tongue scrapper, so
give it a try.
5
Floss each day
One of the best ways to
keep your gums and teeth healthy is flossing. Just floss gently using
waxed floss; go between every tooth using a gentle rubbing motion and
make sure you go below the gum line as you floss. Yes, it can take a lot
of time, but it’s really worth it and you’ll love the result. Your
teeth will look healthier and more beautiful.
6
Rinse your mouth
After
brushing, flossing and scrapping, you need to rinse your mouth with a
good mouthwash. You can use diluted hydrogen peroxide, which combat
bacteria, or opt for a fluoride rinse, which helps strengthen your teeth
as well as prevent cavities. A fluoride rinse is also good for
sensitive teeth. It fills in the small holes, which lead to the nerves,
and reduces pain.
7
Healthy eating
Acidic and sugary foods
can be harmful for your teeth. Acidic foods, such as citrus can cause
enamel erosion, while sugar can cause plaque and make gum disease worse.
To keep teeth beautiful and healthy, it’s recommended to limit the
acidic and sugary foods in your diet. When you are hungry, eat some
celery with peanut butter instead of reaching for a candy bar. Your
teeth will thank you!
It’s not as difficult to have a beautiful and healthy smile as you may think. Just take several extra minutes a day every day to follow the aforementioned tips and your teeth and gums will always be healthy. How do you keep your teeth healthy?
By Diana White
