FOUR BEST PRACTICES FOR HEALTHY TEETH

A healthy set of teeth can do wonders for your confidence and overall health. To be able to keep your teeth healthy, you need to start taking care of them from childhood. As 27.3 percent of kindergarteners under the age of nine in Connecticut are reported to have experienced tooth decay, taking care of teeth from a young age is crucial. If you have been ignoring your or your child’s teeth, it is about time to start caring for those pearly whites to keep them healthy.

You will be on your way to a brighter, healthier smile with a few simple changes to your routine. So without further ado, let’s explore the best practices for healthy teeth:

1. Brush Twice A Day

Brushing twice a day is a critical part of maintaining healthy teeth. It helps remove plaque and food particles that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. However, you must be meticulous in your brushing technique. Use soft, circular motions to thoroughly clean the surface of each tooth while brushing. Instead of using harsh back-and-forth motions, think of your toothbrush as a gentle massager for your teeth and gums. Be sure to brush for at least two to three minutes.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles and changing it every three months or as soon as the bristles fray. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a healthy and happy smile for years to come.

If your teeth are misaligned, then you might feel pain while brushing. In that case, you would need orthodontic treatment. Since orthodontic treatments have become quite popular, you can find orthodontic services all across the country, even if you reside in a small town. Let’s say you live in Glastonbury, CT. In that case, look up the best orthodontic treatments in Glastonbury, CT, and choose the one suitable for you. The treatments include traditional braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces.

2. Prioritize Flossing

It is a great feeling to finally get that last bit of popcorn or spinach out of your teeth. But the benefits of flossing go well beyond that. For example, flossing prevents plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance made of leftover food particles and saliva that forms on and around your teeth.

When plaque is allowed to accumulate, it eventually hardens and transforms into tartar over time. As a result, you are more likely to fall prey to gum diseases. With regular flossing, you can easily avoid plaque. Moreover, flossing also reduces the risk of cavities, but remember not to floss forcefully.

Gums are delicate and sensitive, and flossing harshly can cause them to bleed or even recede. So, how do we floss like a pro? Easy! Keep your hand steady; move the floss back and forth slowly when applying pressure at the base of your teeth.

3. Drink Plenty Of Water

Health experts always advise drinking about eight glasses of water a day. It is because water reduces the risk of oral diseases and removes toxins from the body.

Every time you take a sip, you wash away harmful food particles and plaque in your mouth. And that is not all – water also helps neutralize harmful acids in your mouth.

To further boost dental health, increase the intake of fluoridated water. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth by replenishing calcium and phosphorus levels in the enamel. For kids, it is particularly important to drink fluoridated water from an early age. It ensures that fluoride is incorporated into their developing teeth, resulting in fewer cavities in the adult teeth. Most water filtration plants add fluoride to the water because of its benefits. So, try to drink as much water as possible; it will keep your teeth and gums healthy while providing other health benefits.

4. Avoid Tobacco Products

If you want to keep your smile healthy and bright, it is time to ditch those tobacco products! You expose your teeth and gums to harmful chemicals like tar and nicotine every time you smoke. These substances stain your teeth, lead to bad breath, and increase the probability of developing gum disease, heart disease, or oral cancer. Though giving up on tobacco products is challenging, it is a doable task.

You may try nicotine patches or chew sugar-free gum to resist tobacco cravings. Talking to family and friends also helps. Let your loved ones know that you are quitting and ask for their support. They can help you stay accountable and provide emotional support during the process.

Conclusion

Like any other body part, your teeth also need proper care. Fortunately, it is never too late to start. You can begin with the tried-and-true practices covered in this blog. For best results, do not try to do everything at once. Take one step at a time, and gradually include each practice into your routine. It will help sustain the habits and help you improve your oral health in the long run.