1. Brush at least Twice
The basic care that we can offer to our teeth is brushing twice daily. You should brush in the night as it is really important because the food that remains stuck after dinner gives a lot of time to the mouth bacteria to convert it into acid and decay the tooth until morning. Also, experts suggest brushing after breakfast instead of before breakfast in the morning as there is negligible food in the mouth before breakfast (if you brushed last night). Now the important thing is that just rubbing your teeth doesn’t mean brushing. Put the brush at the junction of your gums and teeth and make gentle to and fro strokes and then bring the strokes down. This helps clean the gum line and keep teeth and gums healthy. Clean the chewing surfaces in a circular motion.
2. Use a Mouthwash
There are plenty of mouthwashes available over the counter. You may choose from a variety of flavors available. Please remember, it is as important as brushing, but cannot replace brushing. It helps you clean the areas that cannot be reached by the brush. Mouthwashes significantly decrease the amount of plaque deposition over a due course of time. If you feel that it burns a lot, then you may opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash.
3. Flossing
Flossing plays an important role in maintaining oral hygiene. Flossing helps dislodge any food particles stuck in between teeth, but please remember not to overdo it as it has the potential to create spaces between teeth if you overdo it.
4. Avoid Sticky Foods
5. Avoid Acidic Drinks
Do you recall that strange feeling that you get on rubbing your teeth after drinking aerated drinks? That is the demineralization of your tooth, which happens every time you take that drink. It does return to normal after some time, but it can weaken the tooth structure if consumed on a regular basis.
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking causes yellow stains on the teeth and decreases saliva production leading to caries. It even leads to bad breath and other major health issues. It can progressively lead to pyorrhea or gum diseases that may lead to loosening of teeth.
7. Massage Your Gums
8. Don’t Ignore Symptoms
If you feel that there is repetitive food lodgment in some areas between teeth, please visit a dentist. Don’t wait for the pain to set an alarm for you. If your gums bleed regularly, it’s time for you to visit a dentist.
9. Eat a Balanced Diet
Fibrous foods are a boon to your teeth as they help in cleaning them and the chewing activity strengthens your gums. Vitamin-C, on the other hand, maintains good gum health and prevents gum bleeding. Vitamin-A and D along with Calcium are also an integral part of maintaining the health of the oral cavity.
10. Plenty of Water
11. Avoid Clenching Your Teeth
Clenching causes attrition of teeth, leading to sensitivity to cold fluids. For people who have a habit of clenching, we offer night guards that prevent teeth from abrading or fracturing due to excessive biting forces.
12. Chew Sugar-Free Gums
It helps exercise your jaw muscles and increases the salivary flow thus decreasing caries incidence. It also leads to decreased plaque formation.
13. Quit Bad Chewing Habits
Chewing on to non-food items such as fingers, nails, pens, etc. damage your teeth. It can even lead to an undue fracture of the tooth.
14. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
You must get a regular checkup and clean done every six months by a dental professional.