The secret to a great smile is great teeth. It’s not enough to simply have a full set of straight teeth but to make sure that they are as spotless as possible.
Taking care of our teeth is not only an issue of oral health but of self-esteem too. Many people with dental issues are incredibly embarrassed and afraid to show off their teeth to others.
While everyone is aware that they should use a toothbrush, the proper care of teeth is much more involved than that. Let’s take a look at the top ways that people can keep their teeth healthy and looking their best.
Brushing properly
Sure, you already know the process of brushing your teeth, but are you doing it properly? Many people only spend a short time brushing the front facing parts of their teeth and ignore the rest.
The toothbrush should always be held at a 45 degree angle near your gum line. Both the gum line and your teeth should be coming in contact with the toothbrush’s bristles.
Don’t just clean the front parts of the teeth. Make sure to get the tops and the backsides of every tooth so that you don’t miss any spots.
Don’t brush too gently since you are trying to scrub your teeth after all. Brush at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes at a time spending 30 seconds on each corner of the mouth.
Flossing
While it seems like we always promise our dentist we will start flossing, most of us seem to conveniently forget to do it when we get home. Flossing can be a chore, especially after a long day but there’s no doubt about its effectiveness.
The truth is that flossing reaches food particles caught between your teeth that toothbrushes and even mouthwash can’t reach. These food particles can build up can cause decay the longer they are left there.
Avoid soft drinks and other sources of sugar
Sugar is one of our teeth’s worst enemies. Sugar interacts with the bacteria on our teeth to form acids that work to cause decay and discolouration.
Even diet or sugar free soft drinks have acids that cause tooth decay. When the acid degrades the enamel on your teeth it can lead to cavities that expose the teeth which can cause pain and sensitivity.
Consume plenty of calcium
Calcium is essential for the strength of our teeth as well as our bones in general. Consuming dairy products and some vegetables are great sources of calcium.
Calcium supplements are also a great way to boost the health of your teeth. Other vitamins like vitamin D or vitamin B are also essential for healthy teeth and gums.
