In a post-pandemic world, we need to do all that we can to take care of our health. Much is already being said about taking care of our bodies and our mental health, but one aspect of our health that people often forget is our oral health care. Our teeth and gums are part of our bodies, too. And they need just as much love as every other aspect of our health.
There are multiple benefits to having healthy teeth and gums. Studies show that dental hygiene is linked to mental health, and one greatly influences the other. A gorgeous and healthy set of pearly whites can increase self-esteem, giving one the confidence to smile brightly at any given day. Good dental hygiene also prevents tooth decay and bad breath.
Here are some tips and tricks for a healthy set of teeth and gums you can be proud of.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
The American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes each and use fluoride toothpaste. On lazy days, remind yourself that the only way to remove plaque and food residue from your teeth is by brushing it thoroughly. If you don’t, the leftover food and plaque can produce acids that attack the integrity of your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.
Consider switching to gold dental braces.
Gold brackets for braces look good, and they’re also incredibly practical. Unlike their metal counterparts, gold brackets don’t rust, and they’re much less likely to attract food leftovers and plaque. Gold is bacteria-resistant, non-toxic, and is malleable enough that it can be customized into the best shape for your teeth.
Make a habit out of flossing.
Flossing cleans your teeth in ways that brushing your teeth cannot. If brushing your teeth is a run-of-the-mill dust-up, flossing is deep cleaning. It cleans out the gaps between your teeth, making sure that there’s no food residue left. When you don’t floss, your teeth are more susceptible to plaque build-up, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Replace your toothbrush every three months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that we swap out our toothbrush for a new one every three to four months. Your toothbrush is incredibly vulnerable to bacteria build-up, and the bristles can lose their effectiveness over time as well. To save the environment, consider switching to wooden toothbrushes or other kinds that use more sustainable materials.
Don’t neglect mouthwash.
Just like flossing, using mouthwash regularly can help remove remaining debris in your mouth. Specific mouthwash products can also help remove harmful bacteria, can help whiten your teeth, and can temporarily reduce bad breath.
Drink plenty of water.
One way to permanently help your teeth remain healthy is by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated in general keeps our bodies healthy, and it helps neutralize the acids that cause tooth decay. It also helps to get rid of excess food particles. At the same time, drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth moist, which helps prevent bad breath.
Add calcium into your diet.
Consuming calcium-based foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products can help bring back minerals your teeth have lost over the years. They help rebuild broken tooth enamel, and they help strengthen not just your teeth, but also your bones.
Keep a dental health care routine.
Just like our skin and our hair, our teeth and gums also need some tender loving care. If 20-step skincare routines are a thing, your oral care need not be that intricate. It can be simple but still hit the spot. Here is a possible dental care routine you can adapt:
- Know your teeth and gums’ needs and design your dental care routine around those needs.
- Brush your teeth every morning when you wake up and every night before you sleep. Don’t forget to use fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a mouthwash after you brush your teeth. One round after every brush is enough.
- Floss after you brush your teeth. Don’t be too rough lest your gums get bloody.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Visit your dentist regularly. If you wear braces, don’t miss your dentist’s appointments.
Motivate Yourself
It’s tempting to neglect dental hygiene. After all, there are so many parts of our health that we need to address. But good dental hygiene can only benefit you in the long run—it will protect your teeth from tooth decay, which can help preserve your teeth and gums as you grow older. Take care of yourself by investing in your dental health.
