We only have one set of pearly whites, which is why it’s so important to keep them clean and healthy. Considering what our teeth go through when eating food, it’s no surprise that rot and cavities are so common. The good news is that it’s possible to mitigate this damage with the right steps and keep your pearly whites shining bright. Here are the most important steps you can and should take to maintain your teeth.
Go easy on the brushing
You might think that giving your teeth a vigorous brushing will help solve problems, but the opposite can happen. Brushing too hard can damage your teeth’ enamel. The bristles are soft, but if you brush hard enough, it’s possible to cause abrasion.
Dental healthcare providers recommend that people soften their brushing technique. It’s a small change that doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of cleaning teeth, but it helps protect your enamel. Getting a toothbrush with softer bristles is also recommended.
Limit acidic foods
The enamel on our teeth is arguably the hardest substance in our bodies, but it’s not indestructible. One of its most notable weaknesses is acid. An acidic substance can slowly degrade the enamel and cause it to harm over time. Bacteria produce acidic byproducts when there’s an excess of sugar available, which is part of how they attack teeth.
There are plenty of acidic foods out there that you should avoid in large amounts. The highest risk examples include sodas, sports drinks, and sparkling waters. Though, you don’t have to go completely abstinent when it comes to these drinks. Drinking from a straw can help minimize the effect of their acids. Rinsing with water afterward can also mitigate damage.
Avoid stress
As we learn more about stress, it seems like it affects just about every aspect of our physical and mental health. It should come as no surprise that it can also negatively affect our teeth. it’s not uncommon for people to grind their teeth when they’re under pressure and stressed out. This can even happen at night while you’re asleep, making it difficult to control.
If possible, get rid of external stressful influences. Meditating and working on your mindfulness can help limit stress. If your job or school tends to cause a lot of unavoidable stress, you can get night guards for your teeth. This way, you won’t damage your enamel while you sleep.
Floss often
Flossing isn’t nearly as common as it should be, even though it plays a crucial role in oral health and hygiene. Some people feel that it’s too much of an inconvenience, but that’s only because they don’t realize the benefits that come with flossing. You can protect your teeth from decay much more effectively if you floss often enough.
There are different types of floss you can use, so choose one that suits you. Whether you choose string floss or water flossers, you’ll be able to clean teeth and keep them healthy for a long time.
Fix damage
Nobody can take care of their teeth perfectly. After years of using your pearly whites, it’s normal to have a chipped tooth or two. However, these damaged areas are more susceptible to rot and degradation. It’s important to take care of them as soon as possible.
The quickest and the most effective solution for cracks and chipped teeth is dental bonding. It’s a process in which a dentist uses soft composite resin to fill in problematic areas. The resin lasts for many years and helps keep your teeth healthy and functional.
Reduce sugar
It should come as no surprise that sugar destroys teeth. It’s one of the first things a dentist will tell you to avoid when discussing enamel health.
Candies and sweet foods let bacteria run wild in your mouth, which then leads to increased acid production. This acid damages your teeth and lowers defenses, leading to further damage down the road. Limiting sugar and choosing healthy foods helps mitigate this issue.
Conclusion
By following the right steps, you can keep your teeth clean and free of damage for quite a long while. Consider the above examples and apply them to your day-to-day life and you won’t have to worry about losing teeth.
