The Self Care Bible

Oral Health 😁

11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you've been told that you have nice teeth, it's crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.

1. Don't go to bed without brushing your teeth.

It's no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

2. Brush properly

The way you brush is equally important—in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden leading to calculus and buildup and gingivitis.

3. Don't neglect your tongue

Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

4. Use a fluoride toothpaste

When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

5. Treat flossing as important as brushing

Many who brush regularly neglect to floss (me being one of them but I'm getting better.) it helps stimulate the gums, reduce plaque and help lower inflammation in the area. Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these.

6. Don't let flossing difficulties stop you

Flossing can be difficult but rather than give up look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.

7. Consider mouthwash

Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don't know how they work. It can help in three ways: it reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard to brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. Personally I've always felt it didn't worked so I started using hydrogen peroxide and it was a major difference, I recommend you all try it but if you do dilute it with water first otherwise it can burn your gums.

8. Drink more water

Water continues to be the best beverage for your health—including oral health. Drink water after every meal; this can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

9. Eat crunchy fruits and veggies

Ready to eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it's also the best for your teeth.

10. Limit sugary and acidic foods

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don't necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn't hurt to be mindful.

11. See your dentist at least twice a year

At a minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer solutions. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.

I decided to do a chapter on teeth health  because I recently had a dentist appointment and found out that I need a filling 🙄