How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

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Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. Keeping your teeth healthy is important; it involves much more than brushing, flossing and rinsing. These are beginning steps. Putting away the soda and not smoking are two steps that will keep your teeth bright and healthy.


One of the most effective ways to maintain good dental health is to see your dentist every six months. Your dentist can find and take care of dental problems like decay, gum disease, cancer or trauma before they become harmful to your health. Most importantly, children should be seen by a dentist by the time they are one. Seniors especially need to take care of their teeth. Seniors often struggle caring for their teeth, especially if they suffer from arthritis.


Soda is tasty; however, it is bad for your teeth. Soda can eat away at the enamel of your teeth and has no nutritional value. Keep in mind; soda makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities. Instead of soda try water instead. Add some flavor with crushed berries or with sliced citrus. The taste is good, without the threat of cavities. Sugar is a major problem for your teeth. Sugar creates a holding area in your mouth for acidity and bacteria. It causes plaque to form and works havoc on your teeth and gums. To prevent decay from forming on your teeth, brush and floss after every meal and snacks and drink water after every meal.

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If you are smoking, stop! Smoking not only forms a yellow coating on your teeth, it is harmful to your gums. You may not know it but smoking creates an environment in your mouth that causes bacteria and plaque to grow at an abnormal speed. Smoking not only harms the inside tissue of your mouth, it also harms the bone that supports teeth and later on, increases the risk of losing your teeth and could potentially lead to oral cancer.


One very important and necessary step you can take that will keep your teeth in good shape is to drink water. Water will flush out food and drink particles and keep the inside of your mouth in good shape. Another way to have healthy teeth is to eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. Keep treats to a minimum. In addition, increase your calcium intake. This can be done by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium. Dark leafy greens are especially good.


Using the right toothbrush is most important in keeping your teeth healthy. Choose a brush with soft bristles. Toothbrushes last only two to three months. When you see bent bristles, it is time to get another toothbrush. But, please don't wait that long! Also, to keep your smile healthy, practice the right brushing technique.


To get the most out of brushing, brush your teeth at an angle. Point the brush at the gum line and use gentle, short and circular motions. Brush each tooth at least 6-7 times. Don't overdo the brushing. Too much brushing can harm your teeth. It is also important brush at least one to two hours after eating. The longer food stays in your mouth, the more damage you could cause your teeth; especially decay and gum disease.


Flossing is also very important. To floss correctly, roll out about at least eight inches of floss and put it around your index fingers. Keep about two inches between your fingers to floss. Place a fresh section of floss near each tooth. It is important to hold the floss tightly so that when you floss, the plaque can loosen and be ready to rinse after flossing. Be careful not to bring the floss down too hard on the gums.

 

It may sound simple, but chewing on a apple can also help. Apples are not only a great way to stay healthy; they are also a plus factor for good oral health. Foods that need crunching like certain fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots work like toothbrushes; they scrub and flush away the stains and plaque that often form on your teeth.


Brushing with fluoride is another great way to keep a healthy smile. Fluoride toothpaste lessens tooth decay and whitens teeth by placing invisible protection on your teeth. This special protection helps to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth, as well as the awful effects of sugar and sugary foods and drinks. Drink more milk! The calcium in milk will keep your teeth healthy and strong. So, drink up!


Practicing the above steps will keep your smile healthy and in good shape. Besides enjoying good dental health, there are other benefits such as preventing dental problems and lowering your dental bills. Also, you will have fresh breath. Good oral health may also prevent gum disease and that can be a huge and expensive dental problem.


If you want to stay away from a heart attack or stroke, follow good oral health; especially brushing and flossing every day. When bacteria forms and is allowed to stay in your mouth, it will work its way into your bloodstream and heighten your risk for heart problems. Good dental health can also prevent diabetes. Poor oral health also increases your risk of developing dementia or could also lead to poor mental health.

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To conclude, keeping your teeth healthy is not hard to do; however, it does require a good maintenance plan daily brushing, brushing after meals, using the right toothbrush, eating nutritious food, minimizing sugar and carbohydrates from foods like muffins, bread and other snacks, and using fluoride toothpaste.


With the many benefits that come from maintaining a healthy smile, it makes sense to follow good dental hygiene. Of course, one of the best ways maintain good oral health is to see your dentist at least once a year. He or she will examine your teeth, take x-rays and have a dental hygienist clean and polish your teeth.


To find out additional information on how to keep your teeth healthy and strong, talk with your dentist