August 5, 2022

Do These 7 Things For Healthy Teeth

It’s true that you have a genetic contribution to the symmetry and color of your teeth. But the health of your teeth is greatly determined by how well you take care of them.

Simple healthcare habits can have a big impact on your oral health. Something as small as night time brushing can significantly reduce the risk of gum diseases and tooth decay.

Things you should do for healthy teeth.

I am going to share 7 important things that are super beneficial for your teeth and gums. These habits can help you prevent bleeding gums, toothache, and dreaded bad breath.

1. Follow the correct brushing technique.

Proper brushing is key to good oral hygiene and a healthy smile. Most people brush their teeth daily, but don’t follow the right brushing technique.

Follow these steps to brush your teeth correctly:

Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, with the bristles of your toothbrush angling towards the gums.
Move the brush back and forth in short and gentle vibrating motions without moving the bristles from the tooth.
Brush all surfaces of teeth thoroughly.
To clean the inside surfaces of upper and lower teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up and down gentle strokes.

Here’s a short video to help you understand better.

Make sure to avoid brushing too hard as it will only damage your gums. Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush to have healthy and plaque-free teeth.

2. Don’t forget to floss every night.

Flossing should also be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. It removes plaque from areas between the teeth and under the gums.

Flossing helps prevent gum disease by effectively removing the food particles and plaque areas that are hard to reach through a toothbrush.

Below is a step-by-step guide to floss your teeth properly.

Cut off a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand.
Hold 1-2 inches of floss between your thumb and your fingers.
Gently slide the floss between your teeth in a swaying motion.
Once the floss reaches the gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to make a C shape curve.
Gently slide the floss up and down and slip it under the gums slightly.
Repeat this process for the rest of your teeth.
Floss each tooth with a clean section of floss.

Flossing might seem like a hassle, but all it takes is a few extra minutes. Your gums and teeth will thank you!

3. Introduce bedtime brushing to your night routine.

Do you ever wonder what happens when you sleep at night without brushing your teeth?

Going to bed without brushing means the bacteria in your mouth have an entire night to digest the food remnants on teeth. The by-product of this digestion is acid which leads to tooth decay.

Normally, saliva acts as your mouth’s natural defense and neutralizes the acid in the mouth. But the saliva production decreases while you sleep, making you more vulnerable to cavities and gum diseases. That is why it is very important to brush at night.

Trust me, you’ll sleep better knowing no bacteria are damaging your precious pearly whites.

4. Improve those eating habits.

Everything you eat can have a major impact on the health of your teeth and gums in the long run. For example, frequent consumption of sugary items can contribute to tooth decay. Similarly, frequent use of acidic foods and drinks can cause loss of tooth surface.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you wish to consume a healthy diet for your teeth:

Eat a balanced diet:
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains. Calcium-rich foods such as cheese, milk, and yogurt also play a major role in maintaining good oral health.

Drink lots of water:
One of the easiest and simplest ways to prevent tooth decay is to drink plenty of water. It will keep you hydrated and flush away the food particles in the mouth.

Limit snacking:
Binge-eating snacks are very harmful to your teeth. The main component of snacks is usually carbohydrates which stick to tooth surfaces leading to dental problems. For the sake of your teeth, try to resist the frequent urge to snack. This will minimize the amount of time the teeth are exposed to sticky food.

5. Limit the frequency of your sugar intake.

Consuming excess sugar multiple times a day can be devastating for your oral and overall health. It can lead to tooth decay and toothache.

Follow these steps to limit your sugar intake.

Replace fizzy drinks, flavored milk, and energy drinks with water.
Swap sugary snacks and cereals for sugar-free or natural options.
Eat fresh fruits and yogurt for dessert rather than sugary and sticky foods.

6. As you brush, don’t forget to clean the tongue.

Cleaning your tongue is as important as cleaning your teeth. It reduces the number of bacteria and food particles and promotes fresh breath naturally. A toothbrush with soft bristles is suitable to clean your tongue. Brush gently forward and backward on the tongue and rinse the brush after each pass; even better if you could purchase a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner at the back.

7. Dental check-ups

Dental check-ups are routine visits to the dentist that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should have an appointment with your dentist every six months. During your dental check-up, your dentist will examine your mouth, gums, and teeth for any cavities, signs of decay, or plaque and calculus on your teeth. The check-ups also include careful examination of the head and neck for any signs of trouble.

Routine dental check-ups are a great way to learn from your dentist about ways to improve your oral health.

Bottom Line

It’s never too late to adopt good habits to get healthy teeth and gums. Visit Wapiti Dental in Grande Prairie for your dental health concerns.

Call at 780-296-4075 or book your appointments online here. We are happy to help our patients achieve their best oral health.