Oral Health Tips For a Healthy Smile
The benefits of a healthy smile reach far beyond the aesthetic. Visible indicators of a healthy smile, such as clean, white teeth and firm, pink gums are also signs of good oral health. Invisible components of a healthy smile, such as fresh breath, are equally important. Here are 8 oral health tips for a healthy smile:
1. Brush your Teeth Twice a Day
Regular brushing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy. It removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria that without brushing can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. A soft-bristled toothbrush is usually best and brushing in short, back-and-forth strokes is recommended.
2. Floss
Flossing removes the plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing enables you to clean between your teeth which is up to 40% of the tooth's surface. If you find floss tape tricky to use, you can try pre-cut floss strips or interdental brushes which can be easier to navigate around your mouth.
3. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits are the key to keeping your smile in pristine condition. Professional cleaning helps to prevent cavities and other problems from forming. Dentists can also provide various treatments, such as aligners, veneers, and whitening to give you the smile of your dreams.
4. Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Sugar is bad news for your teeth because it feeds the bacteria which causes tooth decay. Try to avoid excessively sugary snacks and drinks, such as candy, soda, and pastries. When you do indulge in something sugary, make sure to brush and floss your teeth afterward to reduce the sugar residue left on your teeth. If you can’t brush or floss after your meal, try to rinse your mouth with water.
5. Drink Water
Saliva keeps your mouth from becoming dry and is essential for keeping your teeth healthy. Experts often advise following the 8x8 rule which states to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (around 2 liters). Drinking water after you eat also helps to flush away food particles, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup and cavities.
6. Eat a Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet is important to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are nutritious and eating them can stimulate saliva production. Calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, are also important for keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
7. Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health as well as your overall health. Smoking not only causes bad breath and discolored teeth, but it also increases your risk of serious oral health problems. It can cause mouth sores, increase the risk of gum disease, and mouth cancer.
8. Don't Forget Your Tongue!
It can be easy to forget about your tongue when thinking about your smile, but it is one of the most important parts of oral hygiene. Bacteria that live on your tongue can cause bad breath and other problems. So don't forget to brush your tongue as part of your brushing routine!
