Want healthy and clean teeth? Well, you aren’t getting that by lazing around, trying to fight your inner procrastinator about whether to get up or not! Believe it or not, healthy teeth demand a lot of attention. A lot! So, if you are trying to achieve healthy teeth, you will have to make a dental routine which you must follow through, even if the world is ending.
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Going to bed without brushing your teeth? Think again.
Morning and night are the two most crucial times to brush your teeth. The saliva (which fights cavity-causing plaque for you) dries up during the night, so it is better to have all the plaque cleaned up before sleep. You really don’t want gum diseases which are often caused by plaque formation!
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Learn how to brush properly
It is crucial for you to brush properly since doing a poor job of brushing is as bad as not brushing at all! Don’t be hasty, move your toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to get rid of plaque. Remember to brush all the surfaces of your teeth.
Also, do not overdo brushing. Be gentle else vigorous brushing can lead to gum recession which is irreversible, and you really do not want that.
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Floss floss floss!
Flossing is annoying, yes but it is as important as daily brushing. Flossing reaches the nooks and crannies of your teeth where your toothbrush can’t. It removes food and plaque from between your teeth which, if not cleaned, can form tartar. From here, gum disease is inevitable.
To floss, wrap two inches of floss between your fingers and use a fresh section for every tooth. Keep the floss against the tooth to remove plaque without hurting your gums. Do not ignore the last molar to get a thoroughly cleaned mouth.
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Use a fluoride toothpaste
When choosing a toothpaste, make sure you opt for one with fluoride in it. Fluoride is a weapon against tooth decay and gum diseases. It fights germs that can lead to tooth decay and creates a protective barrier for your teeth.
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Put a mouthwash in your daily oral routine
People seem to skip this one a lot because they don’t know how mouthwashes work. Mouthwashes are integral, they reduce the acid in the mouth, clean areas that are hard to brush, prevent gum disease, reduce plaque buildup and re-mineralize teeth.
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Drink more water, and ditch that can of soda!
Water, and not soda, continues to be the ideal beverage you should be having throughout the day. Not only is it great for your overall health, but it also does wonders for your oral health. You should also make it a habit to drink water after evert meal to wash out the negative effects of certain foods.
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Watch the sugary stuff!
Not only is sugar food for the bacteria in your mouth, it also converts to acid which then erodes the enamel of your teeth. This situation soon escalates to cavities. You don’t have to completely abandon sugar, but limiting the consumption will benefit you immensely.
If you drink too much soda, you need to stop. You are hurting your teeth more than you know. Soda contains phosphoric acid and citric acid, which have been proven to eat away the enamel thus causing cavities in the long run.
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Quit smoking already!
Smoking is disastrous for your teeth. If you are a regular visitor to your dentist for cleanups, and you smoke, you are basically undoing all the work. The nicotine and tar in a cigarette happily eat away at your gums. Not only that, it increases the bacteria and plaque in the mouth, hence more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. You also get at high risk of oral cancer.
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Eat foods that have a positive effect
Of course, ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but not very good for your teeth. Crunchy, healthy food not only has more fiber but is also the best for your teeth. Dig into greens and crunchy fruits, they help clean out the mouth and more. Drink black and green teas as they help in the reduction of bacteria. Use dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; these increase saliva production. Foods containing fluoride e.g. chicken, seafood and water.
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Get more serious about dental checkups
Dental checkups are an absolute must. You might think your brushing and flossing means you are good to go, but the reality is otherwise. You still need regular dental checkups, preferably twice a year.
Dental checkups include professional mouth cleaning, which is the only way to remove tartar. It also cleans your teeth of buildups and plaque. Regular dental checkups prevent diseases and thus save you from severe problems that may occur later on.
What happens if you don’t make your oral health a priority?
Not taking oral hygiene seriously can have some serious consequences. Also, Not only are you going to put yourself at risk for cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, but also affect your overall well-being. Not taking proper care of your teeth increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
If you are looking to keep your teeth in an optimal condition, keep these tips in mind. Your health and your dentist will highly appreciate this. If you are looking forward to staying up-to-date with your regular dental checkups and cleanings, and want a dentist in Des Plaines, you can schedule an appointment at My Smiles Center, IL.
