Maintaining good dental health is vital for overall well-being. Developing good daily habits in terms of hygiene and diet is key. Here are some essential tips to maintain oral hygiene.
1 Brush Your Teeth Properly and Regularly
Brushing should become a routine as soon as the first teeth appear. Ideally, brushing your teeth should be an early habit after every meal, or at least twice a day (morning and night).
You brush your teeth to remove plaque and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. However, it’s not enough just to brush — you must also adopt the correct technique! It is recommended that you use the bristles of your toothbrush and come in at a 45-degree angle to the actual gum margin and then use a gentle circular motion to ensure all surfaces are reached. 1 2
2 Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a chemical that helps to strengthen your teeth, prevent tooth decay, and fight acid and sugar attacks. Essentially, fluoride as a chemical integrates into the enamel structure of your teeth and helps the actual enamel become stronger.
However, there are different levels of fluoride recommended for adults and children. You can find out more information about this in the Video.
3 Use Dental Floss
Cleaning between your teeth is super important because bacteria thrive in those crevices, and lots of people tend to get cavities and gum diseases because of the most neglected areas in between teeth. Flossing is a great way to clean the tight spaces between teeth and under the gums, those areas a toothbrush alone can’t reach.
However, be careful not to hurt your gums while using floss: proper technique is essential, just as with brushing.
4 Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Either for a check-up or a cleaning, it’s recommended to visit your dentist at least once a year, ideally every four months. Regular visits are essential for strengthening your teeth and maintaining healthy gums. Dentists ensure that your oral hygiene habits are effective, and have a beautiful smile with their professional guidance.
5 Eat Foods Rich in Minerals
The two essential minerals for strengthening teeth? Calcium and phosphorus. Fortunately, many accessible (and tasty) foods are rich in them. Calcium is mostly found in dairy products (animal and plant-based), certain fish like sardines, trout, or anchovies, as well as in shrimp and mussels.
Seeds are tiny nutritional houses, and some of them are high in calcium, walnuts, almonds, sesame, and chia seeds also provide this mineral, which helps strengthen tooth enamel.
As for phosphorus, it naturally protects and strengthens teeth. It is present in fish, meat (poultry and red meat), eggs, lentils, yogurt, and ricotta.
6 Take Foods Rich in Vitamins A, C, D, and K
Each of these vitamins contributes in its way to strengthening teeth by focusing on composition, function, or protection:
– Vitamin A helps produce keratin, necessary for forming tooth enamel. This vitamin can be found in meat, dairy products, sweet potatoes, orange fruits, and leafy vegetables.
– Known for its energy boost, vitamin C also strengthens teeth. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and kale are highly recommended sources.
– Boosting the mineral density of teeth and supporting bones, as well as absorbing calcium in the body, are the main functions of vitamin D for dental health. Dairy products and cereals are good sources.
– Vitamin K helps maintain bone health by acting as a calcium binder — essential for dental health. To benefit from it, consume a variety of green vegetables. 3 4
7 Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Some chewing gums can be beneficial for your teeth… as long as you choose wisely. Some sugar substitutes have been proven to not cause cavities, when you choose make sure it has an ADA seal of approval.Â
In general, chewing gum after 20 minutes increases saliva production, which helps remove food particles and neutralize acids from the food in the mouth, thus strengthening teeth.
Any information on dental care available in this blog is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your dentist or other qualified healthcare professional.
Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare professional with questions you may have regarding your medical condition.
How often should children start brushing their teeth and why is fluoride important for dental health?
Maintaining good dental health is crucial for overall well-being. Regular brushing and flossing are essential habits that help prevent cavities and gum diseases. Visiting the dentist regularly ensures that your oral hygiene practices are effective and keeps your smile healthy. Incorporating vitamins like A and C into your diet can further strengthen your teeth. How often should one incorporate these vitamins into their daily routine for optimal dental health?
Taking care of your teeth is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Brushing and flossing daily can prevent many dental issues. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining oral health. Incorporating vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin C into your diet can strengthen your teeth. Have you considered how your current habits impact your dental health?