Five Things You Can Do to Care for Your Teeth

Your oral health is as important as your overall health. Research shows a strong correlation between your mouth and your overall health.

Crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth can lead to headaches, gum disease, and plaque buildup, causing cavities and tooth decay. And as important as oral hygiene is, getting the required dental treatments is equally necessary.

Another study reveals that oral disease is one of the biggest public health problems worldwide. Therefore, when you do not feel the need to visit the dentist over minor issues, those issues may become bigger over time, leading to expensive treatments.

Moreover, misaligned teeth lead to lower self-confidence because of a less-than-perfect smile. It can also lead to speech problems and other health problems.

However, you can take some preventive measures to care for your teeth and gum health. Let us discuss some of those below.

1. Get Braces

Braces are a great way to align your teeth, remove gaps and have the perfect bite and smile. Gone are the days when braces were only for kids. There is no shame in getting braces as an adult as well. Besides, everyone’s teeth structure and timing for dental treatment can vary. Therefore, if you want those perfectly straight teeth, you can look up adult braces near me online and schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to get your customized treatment plan.

Your dentist will analyze your teeth structure, mouth, and gum health and present you with possible treatment options. You can get traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear removable aligners.

Metal braces can be more effective and shorten the treatment time, while ceramic braces are more discreet and less obvious. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are perfect for those who do not want to undergo orthodontic treatment. However, your dentist may suggest the best option based on your mouth profile. You may require tooth extraction if you have crowded teeth or implants if you have decaying teeth affecting your bite and smile.

2. Brush Regularly

The most important aspect of dental care is brushing your teeth regularly. It would help to brush your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning after waking up and once before bed at night. Moreover, ensure you brush for at least 2-3 minutes and move in circular motions rather than back and forth. Take enough toothpaste on your toothbrush, and remember to brush your gums, tongue, and upper part of your mouth. Please pay special attention to your frontal lower inner teeth, which can be hard to reach. You are supposed to clean the front, back, and top of every tooth. That includes any wisdom tooth you may have.

The food particles can stick in areas of your mouth that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. Moreover, if you eat something chewy or chocolatey, the chances of plaque formation are high. In that case, use dental floss. It removes the plaque between your teeth and ensures proper hygiene.

At the same time, it is important not to brush too aggressively. You may be eager to clean your teeth by applying more than the required pressure. However, it can hurt your gums, cause bleeding, damage tooth enamel, and make the toothbrush hard-bristled.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests using a toothbrush with soft bristles and changing it every three months or when it looks frayed.

3. Use Fluoride

Fluoride comes from fluorine and helps prevent cavities. It is present in toothpaste and mouthwashes. It is essential to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Lack of fluoride can cause tooth decay, even if you properly care for your teeth. A 2018 review revealed that flossing and brushing your teeth could not prevent tooth decay and plaque formation without fluoride. Therefore, it is an essential element in preventing cavities.

Moreover, the CDC, WHO, and ADA recommend drinking fluoride water. You can contact your water company to see if your water supply contains fluoride. Bottled water brands may not contain fluoride as their water undergoes water filters that remove fluoride.

4. Do Not Smoke or Eat Sugary Foods

Smoking and sugary foods are your teeth’s greatest enemies. Smoking makes your teeth yellow, leaves a bad odor, and increases the risk for gum diseases. Even after a dental procedure, smokers may experience slow healing because of the damaged immune system, making it hard to heal muscle tissue.

Meanwhile, sugary foods lead to cavities and plaque formation in the mouth. Even after you are done eating, the sugar deposited in your mouth continues to eat away and rot your teeth, thus leading to cavities. Processed and added sugars are even more harmful to your teeth and overall health.

Therefore, instead of consuming processed sugars and starchy foods, consume natural sugars in fruits and vegetables.

5. Use a Good Mouthwash

Even though mouthwash cannot replace brushing your teeth, it helps you have fresh breath. Consider a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent that controls gingivitis and plaque. A mouthwash with essential oils also protects the tooth enamel and brings shine to your teeth.

Mouthwash ensures proper hygiene of soft tissue and speeds up the healing process by eliminating chances of infection. You may also consult your dentist to ask for a mouthwash that suits your needs. They may even recommend using one during your dental treatment or if you undergo a tooth extraction.

Moreover, mouthwash ensures the cleanliness of your entire mouth, even the places that are hard to clean. It removes germs and prevents tooth decay by preventing sugar accumulation in your teeth.

Conclusion

Taking care of your teeth results in better overall health and hygiene. Therefore, ensure you do not miss your dentist appointments and get the required orthodontic treatment as soon as possible.

Ensure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, as it prevents tooth decay. Moreover, avoid eating sugary foods and smoking and use good mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine. However, brushing your teeth regularly and correctly should be at the top of your list.