How To Maintain Bright And Healthy Teeth

Most people worry about their appearance and go to great lengths to make sure they always look their best. There’s nothing wrong with that since having a pleasing aesthetic helps you put your best foot forward. A beautiful and healthy physical body also gives you a sense of satisfaction and boosts your self-esteem.

Much importance has been given to eating healthy, skincare, exercise, and getting ample rest. However, many people forget the importance of dental hygiene, particularly the teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene will not only help you maintain bright and healthy teeth, but it can also prevent the onset of various medical disorders. The following benefits will convince you to focus on and invest in your dental health:

    • A Beautiful Smile:
      Having a nice smile never goes out of style, no matter what age you’re at. A healthy and white set of teeth is the best accessory to complete your outfit. Your self-confidence receives an extra boost when you know that you’ve taken care of your teeth well. You don’t have to worry about bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, or tooth loss when you invest in dental care.
    • Improved Quality of Life:
      Not taking care of your teeth increases your risk of gum disease and dental decay, leading to tooth loss. An incomplete set of teeth makes it challenging for you to eat the foods you enjoy. The good news is that tooth decay and gum problems can be prevented by following a good dental care routine.
    • Reduced Health Risks:
      Many people are unaware that their overall health can be affected by the condition of their teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene can increase your risks for heart disease and endocarditis. Bacteria from your mouth can also pass into your bloodstream and cause clots when the blood thickens, increasing your stroke or heart attack risks. You can reduce your risk of developing other chronic health conditions by committing to an effective oral hygiene routine.

 

A lovely smile is not just a great physical asset; your oral health can also influence your overall health. You only have one set of teeth, so it’s crucial to take care of it so you can reap the benefits of bright and healthy teeth. Every dental professional, like this Dentist in Maple Ridge, will recommend brushing at least twice daily for optimum results!

Dental Care Misconceptions And Myths

Before going to the different tips that will help you achieve and maintain a lovely smile, it’s best to learn about the various myths or misconceptions about dental care.

    • Myth #1 – Baby Teeth are not Important:
      You may have heard of this before, but the truth is, baby teeth have crucial roles in the development of permanent teeth. While it’s true that adult teeth will eventually replace baby teeth, the premature decay of a young tooth can affect the spot where the permanent tooth will grow. Therefore, it’s crucial to teach young children to properly care for their teeth to avoid future problems.
    • Myth #2 – Diet Sodas won’t Hurt my Teeth:
      Although diet sodas have less or no sugar in them, the acid content can still harm your teeth. Therefore, sugar is not the only perpetrator of tooth decay. Drinking acidic beverages promotes acid-loving bacteria’s growth, which destroys the teeth’s enamel and eventually causes sensitivity. Aside from soda, you should also avoid drinking acidic beverages like citrus and orange juices because they can cause the same damage to your teeth. The best beverage to drink for a healthy mouth is water.
    • Myth #3 – Bad Breath is not a Serious Problem:
      Several health conditions can cause bad breath; at the same time, bad breath can exacerbate or increase your risk of developing serious illnesses. Aside from an indication that you have gum disease, bad breath may also be a symptom of digestive system problems requiring medical attention.
    • Myth #4 – I Use a Toothbrush With Hard Bristles because I want to Clean my Teeth Thoroughly:
      Using a hard toothbrush can damage your teeth’ enamel, so it’s better to opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and use the proper brushing technique. Keep in mind that when you brush your teeth, you’re also cleaning your gums and the mouth’s insides.
    • Myth #5 – I have no Dental Problems, so I don’t Need to Visit a Dentist:
      Many people delay or avoid visiting their dentist, which results in aggravated dental problems. Prevention, however, is always better than cure where oral health is concerned. Even if you’re not experiencing any dental problems, it’s best to see a trusted dentist from The Village Dental Center twice a year for cleaning and check-up. A competent dentist who detects an asymptomatic problem early can save you from the anguish of a painful dental issue and costly treatments.

Visiting a dental professional twice a year is just one of the habits that you should incorporate into your oral health routine. Aside from proper brushing after meals, it’s crucial to make necessary changes to your habits and lifestyle so it won’t negatively affect your dental health.

Tips To Maintain Your Bright And Healthy Smile

Everyone wants a nice, healthy smile, but somehow forgets that a good set of teeth require proper care. These tips will inform or remind you about the best ways to take care of your teeth and achieve excellent oral health.

1. Eat For Healthy Teeth

To achieve your goals of having or maintaining a bright, healthy smile, you should work on having strong teeth first. You cannot get strong and resilient teeth by eating anything—you have to consider the nutrients that your teeth can receive from what you consume.

    • Calcium-rich foods such as almonds, cheese, dark leafy green vegetables, milk, salmon, soy products, tofu, and yogurt help maintain strong bones and teeth.
    • Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for strong teeth and is found in beans, dairy, eggs, fish, lean meat, and nuts.
    • Vitamin-C packed foods such as broccoli, citrus foods, peppers, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes help keep your gums healthy.

You should avoid eating foods high in sugar, starches, and carbohydrates. Also, acidic foods that can harm the teeth enamel should be limited as much as possible.

    • Potato Chips:
      Junk food is bad for your health, and it should also be avoided if you want to keep your teeth strong and healthy. The starch content of potato chips turns to sugar, which gets lodged between your teeth and promotes plaque.
    • Bread:
      There’s another reason to steer clear of bread: if you want to prevent plaque buildup, limit your consumption of starchy foods like bread. Whole-wheat bread and other less-refined bread varieties are better options if you can’t skip the bread.
    • Candies:
      A bit self-explanatory—candies are made mainly of sugar, the worst enemy of the teeth’s enamel. Sour candy, for example, contains acids and sugar that stick to the teeth and destroy its protective layer.
    • Dried Fruit:
      Some people may think that snacking on dried fruits are a healthier alternative to chips, but they almost have the same effect on your teeth. Dried fruits are normally sticky and loaded with sugar, which is bad news for your pearly whites. You should opt for the fresh varieties instead if you’re craving for fruit.
    • Citrus:
      Surprise—eating citrus fruits can harm your teeth because their acid content makes the enamel weaker and prone to tooth decay. If you cannot resist eating your oranges and grapefruits, makes sure to rinse with water immediately after consuming them.

Nutrition has a significant impact on your oral health. If you want to take care of your teeth, you should limit your intake of certain foods since plaque acids weaken your teeth’s enamel, resulting in cavities. Strive to eat a balanced diet as much as possible—and load up on items that are high in calcium and protein, but low in sugar.

2. Brush Your Teeth The Right Way

Good oral hygiene will never be complete if you’re not going to brush your teeth. Many people assume that as long as they’re brushing their teeth twice a day or after meals, they’ll be immune from plaque and tooth decay. There’s cleaning your teeth—and then, there’s brushing your teeth properly. If you want to maintain your bright and healthy teeth, make sure you avoid these mistakes when cleaning your teeth:

    • Don’t Rinse after Brushing:
      It may come as a surprise for some people who were told to rinse after toothbrushing. Toothpastes of the fluoride type were created to strengthen the teeth enamel, so rinsing with water after brushing prevents your teeth from reaping the benefits of fluoride. Spitting out the excess toothpaste after brushing will help you strengthen your teeth with fluoride.
    • Replace your Toothbrush every Three Months:
      Why fix, or in this case, replace something that isn’t broken? Even if you think your toothbrush looks and works just fine, it’s best to change it every few months to ensure you’re cleaning your teeth well. Sometimes it’s not too obvious that the bristles are broken or frayed even if they are. After three months of regular use, your toothbrush has already accumulated food particles and bacteria—a good enough reason to throw them out.
    • Brush your Teeth for at least Two Minutes:
      Most people are likely not brushing their teeth long enough to properly clean all the areas. Use a timer or your smartphone’s stopwatch to help you stick to the minimum time required, or an electronic toothbrush may have a timer function to help you out. It doesn’t matter how you choose to time yourself—just make sure to stick to the recommended duration for every cleaning session.
    • Brush with Soft Bristles:
      Again, it may be difficult for some people accustomed to using hard-bristled toothbrushes to clean their teeth. However, the hard bristles can damage your teeth enamel with regular use. They can also hurt your gums and cause them to recede. Destroyed enamel and receded gums result in sensitive teeth, which can be uncomfortable and even painful.
    • Floss your Teeth Regularly:
      It may seem like a lot of work, but once you get used to flossing your teeth, you will notice the difference it makes to your oral health. Toothbrushing alone may not dislodge all the food particles or plaque in between your teeth. Floss at least once daily to make sure that plaque does not harden in your teeth.

3. Get Rid Of Damaging Dental Habits

Taking good care of your dental health does not stop at proper brushing or eating the right foods. There are also habits, without you realizing, that are causing your teeth harm. While some of these habits may be difficult to avoid, there are certain benefits to staying away from these activities—and that’s bright and healthy teeth for years to come.

    • Cut down on Alcohol and Coffee:
      Alcohol produces a dehydrating effect that prevents your mouth from producing saliva to cut down the sugar and acid you consume. Coffee and tea, on the other hand, leave unsightly stains on your teeth.
    • Say no to Smoking:
      Aside from being bad for your overall health, smoking leaves yellowish stains on your teeth thanks to its nicotine content. Your trusted dentist may fix yellowed teeth, but you will likely develop stains repeatedly over your teeth if you continue smoking.
    • Don’t Chew Non-Food Items:
      Chewing ice can harm your teeth. Also, avoid using your teeth to open a pack of chips or biting your nails as a habit. These habits can chip your teeth and even result in extensive dental damage.

Takeaway

A healthy set of teeth, without a doubt, can improve your appearance and mindset. However, the best benefits of a bright and healthy smile are what it can do for your entire body. Take charge of your dental health by taking several minutes each day to brush your teeth after meals, eating the right foods for strong teeth and healthy gums, and seeing your dentist every six months. Bright and healthy teeth are your proof that you’re proactive in your oral and dental health—it’s better to start now before it’s too late. By taking charge of your oral health today, you can enjoy the benefits of a bright and healthy smile for many years.

 

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