Teeth are a vital part of the body, helping with eating, self-confidence, and speech. They’re also one of the most used and abused parts of the body, with the act of eating causing potential damage with every bite.
But despite how dramatic that sounds, there are plenty of ways to take care of your teeth and keep them in top condition for many years. You’ll be smiling brightly into old age with a few simple acts.
Brushing
The simple act of brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will do most of the work to keep them strong and healthy.
Brushing not only looks after the teeth but is good for the tongue and inside of the mouth as well, reducing the prevalence of ulcers and infections.
Effective brushing removes most food particles and plaque build-up from teeth, stopping harmful bacteria from taking hold. Gums benefit from stimulated blood flow, allowing them to remain in good condition.
Prebiotics
As with the gut, the mouth has a beneficial micro-biome that needs to be supported and cultivated for whole-body health.
As the mouth is where most organisms enter the body, beneficial bacteria is the body’s first line of defense. Taking oral health probiotics – chewable tablets is an excellent way to support the mouth’s microbiome.
Chewing the tablets delivers the probiotics directly to where they need to be, so they can begin working immediately.
Flossing
While brushing takes care of the bulk of debris in the mouth, occasionally, pieces of food can become trapped between the teeth.
Tiny pieces of food attract non-beneficial bacteria, which, if it happens while trapped deep between teeth, can cause undetected rot.
Regular flossing ensures that everything is removed from the tight spaces between teeth. And as with brushing, flossing stimulates blood flow to the gums, which is also terrific for keeping healthy.
Cut Out Sugar
Acid is the number one enemy of the hard outer enamel of teeth, and unfortunately, the mouth contains acid-producing bacteria that love sugar.
Cutting down on refined sugar and starch discourages the proliferation of these bacteria and thus protecting the teeth from additional acid wear.
Whole fruits in moderation are good to eat as they contain fiber and essential nutrients that support good overall health. If you’re struggling to cut back on sweet, carbonated drinks, using a straw will mitigate some damage by bypassing the front of the mouth while drinking.
Regular Dentist Visits
Visiting the dentist for regular checkups will ensure no unnoticed issues get the chance to become serious. Congenital weak enamel may let in infection without symptoms, or a chipped tooth may be worse than you realize.
A quick check by the dentist, backed up with x-rays, will identify these issues so that treatment can be undertaken and forgotten about quickly.
It only takes a few minutes each day to brush, floss, and chew a tablet to keep your teeth looking great. Dietary changes and regular dental visits will support and maintain the teeth in top condition for a lifetime.