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Teeth may be the hardest part of your body, but that does not mean they are not affected by wear and tear. So, to the question, how can you keep your teeth strong and healthy? A quick answer may be to always maintain good oral hygiene as well as regular visits to the dentist, but in actual sense, it goes beyond that.
Here are practical ways you can effectively take care of your teeth.
- Brush twice daily: food particles that stick on the teeth, especially around the gum and edges can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Therefore, it is necessary to brush your teeth twice daily; at least in the morning and before going to bed. Also ensure to use soft bristle brush with small head for easy access to every corner of your teeth.
- Fluoride toothpastes are good for you: fluoridated toothpastes have a positive combo effect of hardening your enamel as well as minimizing your risk of suffering tooth decay.
- Brush correctly and thoroughly: teeth brushing should last up to two or three minutes. Likewise, studies have shown that brushing in a circular motion is more effective than brushing vertically or horizontally.
- Always floss your teeth: give your teeth a well-deserved treat by flossing daily. When it comes to flossing, slow and steady sawing motion is the way to go.
- Don’t allow your teeth to be in harm’s way: remember that once a tooth is lost as a grown up, it can never be replaced naturally again. Therefore, always wear protective gears like helmet or mouth guard during combat sports or any event that can physically harm it.
- Consume less of acidic liquid foods: carbonated drinks, fruit juices and cordials as well as others in the category are acidic in nature, and can erode the minerals in your enamel. Such activity could weaken your tooth structure which may lead to holes or cavities. In worst case scenario, it can even ‘chop’ it right to the gum!
- Limit intake of sugary foods: bacteria within the dental plaque can degrade sugars into potentially harmful acids.
- Your dentition is basically meant for chewing food: exploiting your teeth for utility purposes beyond chewing your food is risky and should be totally avoided. You should not use your teeth for activities such as cracking, pulling etc; doing so can chip or break it.
2. Foods to Add in Your Diet today
- Foods with fluoride: your body requires fluoride to maintain strong bones and also to help guard against tooth decay. Men and women require 4 and 3 milligrams of fluoride respectively every day. Fluorides can be found in tea, grapes, coffee and shellfish among others.
- Chesses: cheese is a type of dairy product that is gotten from milk. Through coagulation, it can be made into diverse forms, flavors and textures. Generally, dairy foods including cheese are rich in calcium which helps in fortifying the teeth and bones.
- Fish: fish contains vitamin D, omega-3s and fish oil. Fatty fish such as salmon and tofu are particularly enriched with phosphorus that protects the tooth enamel.
- Fruits and Green Vegetables: such as leafy greens, apples, and carrots are all high on the pecking order when it comes to the health of your teeth. They offer diverse benefits, for instance, when you eat apple or carrots, they helps in the generation of saliva that rinses away food particles as well as bacteria. Celery is rich in vitamins A and C.
- Meat: aside being rich in some of the vital minerals needed to ensure healthy teeth, the process of chewing meat helps in generating saliva. Now, saliva is a sort of lubricant that not only reduces acidity but also helps in washing away food particles that can cause tooth decay.
- Nuts: they are rich in phosphorus and calcium; two minerals that is necessary for healthy teeth. Of particular importance are almonds, cashews and Brazil nuts; they contain protein and calcium, and are beneficial against harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Others such as peanuts contain lots of vitamin D and calcium. Walnuts provide fiber, iron, folic acid and thiamine etc.
- Yogurt: just like cheese, yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, two minerals that are highly beneficial in maintaining the health and strength of your teeth. The presence of probiotics; a type of bacteria that are found in yogurt; helps in protecting the gum against cavities by crowding out the destructive bacteria. However, it is better to go for the variety of yogurt without added sugar.
Maintaining a proper diet can help keep your teeth healthy. Having healthy teeth can boost your confidence and improve the quality of life. Not to mention you’ll have a nicer smile.
