Maintaining healthy teeth will not only help you look and feel better about your smile, it also helps preserve your smile for as long as possible. Since teeth cannot repair themselves, dental health is incredibly important to maintain at all times. Fortunately, there are many ways to take better care of your teeth and help your smile last.
Brush Twice
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for taking good care of your teeth. You should brush once in the morning and once at night for two minutes at a time. This helps remove leftover food and plaque, which will break down the enamel over time if left untreated.
Limit Acids and Sugars
Acids and sugars break down the enamel, which is the protective layer of each tooth. Without the enamel, the more sensitive parts of your teeth are left exposed to food and drink, which can cause further wear and pain. Acidic and sugary drinks such as sodas or orange juice do a lot of damage to the enamel.
Teeth are for Eating
Don’t use your teeth for anything besides eating. This sounds obvious, but it’s common to use the teeth to break down ice, try to open packages, hold objects, and more. Teeth are not meant to be exposed to this amount of force and mistreating them in this way can lead to damage such as chipping or breaking.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Most people don’t think about replacing their toothbrush or toothbrush head. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, according to experts. Toothbrush bristles wear out and no longer effectively clean the teeth after this amount of time. Not only that, but bacteria can also remain on a toothbrush, and continuing to use the toothbrush exposes your teeth to these bacteria over and over again.
Floss
Your dentist may have told you that flossing is extremely important for maintaining a healthy mouth. Flossing will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, reducing the amount of damage to the enamel. Flossing will reduce the chance of cavities between the teeth as well as the risk of gum disease.
Taking better care of your teeth will not only reduce risk of cavities, enamel breakdown, and gum disease, but it also improves the appearance of the smile. Regular dental visits are also recommended to ensure the teeth are staying as healthy as possible. Focusing on these tips, however, will help your smile stay bright and healthy.