Keeping your teeth healthy is often overlooked. But it does not have to be complicated to have great teeth and remember: healthy gnashers do not have to be a pearly white shade.
If you want to keep your teeth healthy, avoid acidic drinks and opt for plain water. Many flavoured water drinks can make your mouth feel dry and sensitive. Also, dairy products are great for teeth and bones because they protect and strengthen enamel. If you can’t tolerate dairy, try adding calcium-rich foods to your diet. Other options include calcium-enriched foods such as soymilk, milk, yogurt, and vegetables. This way, you can still get the benefits of calcium without the added calories.
Moderation
When it comes to maintaining your dental health, moderation is key. Although it is impossible to avoid sugar-filled foods at all costs, there are certain things you should avoid. While one piece of candy or a small bag of chips daily should not cause damage, moderation in sweets is crucial for maintaining your white smile. It’s estimated that as many as one in four Americans avoid smiling because their teeth look bad.
Brushing
Besides flossing, brushing your teeth should be one of your daily habits. You can make sure your teeth are healthy by avoiding acidic or sugary foods and beverages. Experts recommend eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also, try to limit your intake of starchy and sugary foods. These food items feed the bacteria that cause cavities and erode tooth enamel. Hence, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Flossing
While brushing your teeth is the most important part of maintaining dental health, flossing is just as important. Flossing loosens plaque and food particles from between your teeth and helps clean them thoroughly after brushing. Standard dental floss comes in two varieties: waxed and unwaxed. Waxed floss is easier to insert into tight spaces. Tape form floss is broader and flatter, and is better for gaps between your teeth.
Fruits and vegetables
Whether you’re looking to improve the health of your gums or teeth, adding more fruits and veggies to your diet is an excellent way to do it. September is National Fruit and Veggie Month. Eat apples every day – the texture and acidity of apples and other fruits mimics the texture of your toothbrush, removing plaque from teeth. And chewing apples can stimulate your gums, increasing saliva production to neutralize harmful acids that can cause cavities and tooth decay.
Avoiding acidic drinks
Drinking too many acidic drinks can damage your teeth. The most effective way to combat acid erosion is to limit the amount of acid that you drink. Drinking non-acidic drinks, such as water and juices, can help protect your enamel and prevent teeth erosion. However, if you must consume acidic beverages, you must choose them carefully. If you can’t avoid drinking them altogether, try to reduce their frequency or completely avoid them altogether.
Drinking water
Water not only nourishes plants and the ocean, it also helps keep the cells of your body functioning properly. Drinking water after a meal not only improves oral hygiene but also helps cleanse the mouth. After eating, food remains tend to mix with bacteria in your mouth and produce acids. This acid breaks down the enamel of your teeth. When you drink water, you wash away these crumbs and dilute the acidity in your mouth.
Avoiding starchy foods
Starchy food products can stick to your teeth. The sugars in them break down to simple sugars that stay in your mouth long after you have finished eating. The sugars feed bacteria that can wear away at your teeth. Avoiding starchy foods is not an easy task. However, by following a few simple rules, you can help keep your teeth healthy.
Drinking milk
Drinking milk has many benefits for the body and your teeth. This nourishing beverage is packed with minerals that fight tooth decay. Calcium and protein found in dairy products are essential for the formation of a protective coating that protects teeth against acid and bacteria that cause decay. A glass of milk every day can keep your teeth and gums healthy for years. But when it comes to tooth decay, milk may be better for you than you think.
