Excellent Dental Health – 6 Ways To Be Kind To Your Teeth
Good dental health affects your body’s overall wellness. Many people don’t realise the connection between a clean healthy mouth and a vibrant healthy body. Here are some tips for you to maintain good oral health.
1. Treat your body to good food
A healthy balanced diet rewards you with strong bones and teeth and a glowing complexion. Eating sources of calcium such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts and beans, help build strong bones and teeth. Choose lean meat and fish that you bake or steam rather than fry to maintain heart health. Avoid sweets; sugar is bad for your teeth and sticky sweets such as toffee or candy can lead to cavities.
2. Drink the right fluids
Your body needs water to function properly. For additional liquids, choose milk or pure fruit juices rather than highly sweetened juice drinks. Avoid soft drinks which can have up to 9 teaspoons of sugar per glass. Avoid brushing your teeth right after drinking acidic juices such as orange juice, or after drinking caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee. These liquids soften the enamel and brushing directly after drinking them can cause scratches from acid erosion.
3. Floss and brush you teeth regularly using the right toothbrush
Floss before you brush your teeth to loosen food particles and prevent plaque build up. Daily flossing is an economical, easy, and efficient way of preventing gum disease. Brush two to three times each day using a soft bristle brush. Electric toothbrushes do a very good job of cleaning your teeth by getting at the hard to reach places in the back of your mouth. Your dental hygienist can teach how to floss and brush properly.
4. Quit Smoking
Quit smoking and improve your health. Cigarettes are bad for your body and especially bad for your gums. Smoking gives you bad breath, discolours your teeth and can lead to serious gum disease. Choose to quit and experience a fresh taste in your mouth, strong gums and a brighter smile. Treat your body better and it will treat you better.
5. Protect your teeth from injury or accidents
If you or your children are involved in sports where a blow to the mouth is possible, from a flying ball or bat or an unintentional elbow, always wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Your smile is often the first impression you make.
6. Use your teeth for chewing food only
Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.