BEST PRACTICES FOR HEALTHY TEETH- ELITE DENTAL CARE, TRACY

Healthy teeth are an asset to a healthy life. If you have had even a slight pain in your teeth ever in life, you would realize how distressing it is. A toothache can further lead to earache, headache and upset mental health. These tooth defects and aches are prevalent when you compromise your dental health and don’t take the best care for your teeth. Though you might know how to care for your teeth, sometimes you skip certain essential dental health routines. So, here we remind you of the best practices to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY

Every night when you sleep, plaque is built-up in the mouth. This plaque, if left undisturbed, keeps accumulating and hardens to form the blackish tartar. Hence clean your teeth every morning when you wake to remove the plaque built overnight. Not only in the morning it is also essential to brush your teeth in the evening to remove the food residues stuck in the mouth.

There are various types of toothpaste available in the market, like desensitizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth, anti-plaque toothpaste to remove plaque, teeth whitening toothpaste, etc. Choose the one that best suits your dental condition. Also, choose a toothbrush having soft bristles so that it does not hurt your teeth and gums. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and brush appropriately to clean every part of the mouth.

2. FLOSS YOUR TEETH

Flossing is a mandatory routine for good dental health and must not get compromised to only brushing teeth. Dental floss is a fine thread that is moved in between the teeth to clean the gaps between the teeth. Usually, food residues stick in the gas between the teeth and the gums that are fed upon by the harmful bacteria in the mouth. These harmful bacteria release acids that attack the teeth enamel. Enamel is the hard, outermost protective layer of the teeth, and when the enamel is eroded, the inner sensitive tissues of the teeth are exposed to acids. Further, it leads to tooth decay and sensitivity. Thus it becomes crucial to clear away the residues stuck in between the teeth using dental floss. Floss at least twice a day or whenever you feel there is something stuck in the mouth.

3. USE A MOUTHWASH

Sticky, sugary foods firmly attach to the teeth and start decaying the enamel. These sugary particles and acids are washed away using mouthwash to prevent tooth defects. If you do not

have a mouthwash at home, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater or home-made mouthwashes.

4. KEEP YOUR MOUTH HYDRATED

Dry mouth is another big reason for teeth ailments. Saliva in the mouth is a defense against bacteria and plaque. When the mouth becomes dry, saliva production is reduced, and hence your mouth becomes prone to bacterial infections. Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drinking juices containing sugar, carbonated drinks and sodas incur much harm to the teeth and hence water is the best beverage for your dental health.

5. CLEAN THE TONGUE

Plaque also builds up on your tongue, and if not removed, it can cause bad breath and other dental issues. After brushing your teeth, ensure that you clean your tongue as well.

6. MUNCH ON CRUNCHY FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables are always healthier for people. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables boost your dental health and also provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed. Consume apples, carrots and celery that remove plaque and bad breath, berries and green leafy vegetables.

7. INCREASE THE CALCIUM INTAKE

The hard protective outermost layer of the teeth is composed of calcium, hence the white color of the enamel. Consume calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt to strengthen the enamel and the teeth bones.

8. LIMIT THE INTAKE OF SUGARY OR ACIDIC FOODS

Sugary foods feed the harmful bacteria in the mouth and produce acids that harm the teeth. Also, the carbonated drinks stain the teeth causing a yellow shade on the enamel, weakening the enamel. Hence limit the intake of such acidic snacks, sodas and sugary foods.

9. AVOID BITING ON STATIONERY OR NAILS

Few people possess the habit of biting nails or biting some stationery like pencils to cope with the stress. These habits are also linked to mental disturbance, and biting on such stuff leads to chipped teeth and other tooth defects. Germs and chemicals enter the mouth when you chew on such things.

10. QUIT SMOKING

Smoking causes plaque, gum diseases and oral cancer. These reasons are enough for you to quit smoking. Smoking also discolors the teeth and renders a shabby appearance to your mouth.

11. HAVE A REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUP

A dental checkup is as crucial for your teeth as the above steps mentioned. During your dental checkup, the dentist assesses your dental health and detects any irregularities or defects in your teeth. Dental disorders are treated in the initial stages, saving your time, money, energy and natural teeth. Also, the dental cleanings remove the plaque and hardened tartar that can lead to severe gum diseases.

The above-mentioned healthy practices are essential to maintain good oral health and preserve natural teeth for a lifetime. For the dental checkup, you can visit our clinic, The Elite Dental Care, where we provide all the basic to professional dental treatments. For more dental health tips, continue reading our articles on https://theelitedental.com