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A healthy smile isn’t just about looking good; it’s more about taking better care of your oral health. When your teeth and gum are healthy, you dodge many issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Not only that, but good oral hygiene can also reduce the risk of cancer.
A 2020 study found that people with a history of gum disease have a 52% higher chance of developing stomach cancer than those without gum disease.
Now you know why maintaining your teeth and gum healthy is so important. But the question is how to keep them healthy. Let’s talk about it in detail.
1. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your smile healthy. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and fight cavities. You need to take at least two minutes to ensure you’re cleaning every surface.
If you have sensitive gum, try a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to replace it every 3-4 mounts (or sooner if the bristles start fraying). Brushing at night is very important since it removes plaque and bacteria that stick to your teeth.
2. Floss Daily
Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your teeth’s surfaces—flossing takes care of the rest.
We have seen that people don’t floss. When asked, they say they don’t have the time to do it. But here is the thing: brushing alone can only clean about 60% of your teeth. The other 40% is done by flossing.
There are gaps, corners, and crevices in our oral cavity that your toothbrush can’t reach. When you don’t floss, the food particles get trapped there, causing cavities and gum diseases. Flossing solves the problem.
If traditional floss is not your thing, you can opt for water or stick flosser to make the process easier.
3. Use Mouthwash
Some people also skip mouthwash because they feel it’s redundant and just an extra step. But there is actually a good reason why any good dentist will recommend it.
An antibacterial mouthwash helps keep gum disease at bay, while a fluoride rinse provides extra protection against cavities. After brushing, swish for 30 seconds with a mouthwash, and you will feel a difference.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
There’s a phrase: you are what you eat. It’s not only true about physical health but your dental health as well. Foods high in sugar and acid, like candy, soda, etc, can weaken enamel and lead to cavities.
Opt for tooth-friendly options like dairy (rich in calcium for strong teeth), leafy vegetables (rich in vitamins), and crunch fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots. While we are not asking to avoid candies and sodas, having a balanced diet is very important.
5. Stay Hydrated
Keeping hydrated is essential for dental health as well. Water washes away leftover food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup. Plus, staying hydrated keeps your saliva production in check (saliva defends and protects your mouth against cavities).
If you consume tea, coffee, or wine, taking a sip of water after you’re done can help prevent staining and acidity from damaging your enamel.
6. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Smoking and chewing tobacco are harmful in both oral aesthetic and overall health aspects. They can stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and heighten the risk of oral cancer.
The best option would be to quit it altogether! Even if you aren’t able to quit entirely, reducing your tobacco intake can still make a difference. You can opt for non-nicotine chewing gums to reduce the addiction. If you find it difficult, consult a healthcare professional.
7. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
We can’t stress this enough! Regular checkups can detect cavities, gum diseases, and other underlying oral health issues. Your dentist can also remove plaque and tartar buildup, which brushing alone can’t handle.
If you tend to put off appointments, try scheduling them in advance or setting reminders so you can be ready for the next visit.
8. Protect Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) or play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent severe dental damage. Grinding can cause headaches, jaw pain, and worn-down teeth over time. Sports injuries can lead to painful fractures or tooth loss.
Your dentist can provide custom mouthguards designed for your teeth’s best protection. However, if you don’t want the custom mouthguards, even store-bought options work decently.
9. Be Gentle with Your Teeth
Your teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Using them to open bottles, tear packages, or chew on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels can lead to cracks, chips, and even fractures.
If you want to keep your smile intact, stick to using your teeth for what they were designed for—chewing food. Being mindful of how you treat your teeth can save you from painful (and expensive) dental emergencies down the road.
10. Teach Good Oral Hygiene to Kids Early
If you have kids, helping them develop good oral hygiene habits early will set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Make brushing and flossing fun using flavored toothpaste, playing music, or creating a reward system.
Teach them the importance of visiting the dentist regularly and lead by example—when they see you taking care of your teeth, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
Conclusion
These are our top tips to keep your teeth and gum healthy. By following these simple habits, you can keep your smile bright, strong, and healthy for years to come. But what if you get a toothache or detect a cavity? Don’t worry; our expert dentists at The Big Tooth are at your service. Schedule a consultation with our dentist and we will take care of your issue.
If you are seeking a dentist for your child or teen, visit The Little Tooth for help!
