There is no question that you have all kinds of motivation for keeping your teeth healthy. Taking good care of your teeth enables you to chew correctly and keeps you free from toothaches. A surprising fact is that gum disease can actually increase your risk of heart disease. Clearly, there are numerous reasons that you should place a priority on good dental health. Are you curious about how to improve your dental prowess? Here are four ways to do that.
Avoid Sugary Drinks
It’s always a smart idea to avoid sugary drinks if you want to steer clear of tooth decay. The key is to fully understand the process of how sugary drinks can erode teeth. Simply put, each sip of a sugary drink will break down into acids that can damage tooth enamel. This can eventually cause the teeth to erode and, if left untreated, give you a smile full of cavities. Most dentists recommend only consuming sugary drinks in moderation. Moreover, if you must have your sugary drink, the great majority of dentists recommend using a drinking straw so that your teeth have a minimal amount of direct contact with sugary acids.
Flossing is a Must
Flossing is something that’s very unpopular for most people. However, forgoing flossing has its consequences, especially if you eat food that can be stringy or sticky. Those pieces of food can stay lodged in your teeth and cause all sorts of problems. If you don’t like traditional flossing, you should look into water flossing This version is a good alternative because it involves simply utilizing a water method to remove plaque and bacteria. It’s useful for cleaning some of the hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush often cannot access.
Don’t Forget Fluoride
Dentists recommend brushing twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. This is especially important if your tap water doesn’t include fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been proven to be extremely effective at helping to rebuild damaged teeth. Swishing some fluoride-containing mouthwash after you brush is also a good way to get some extra anti-cavity protection for your teeth.
Consider an Electric Toothbrush
If you prefer using a manual toothbrush, please realize that it is important to hold it steady, and don’t press too hard while you brush. If it’s difficult for you to hold a toothbrush because of grip issues, like those caused by arthritis, you might want to use bicycle grip or foam to make the brush easier to hold. Another option is to use an electric toothbrush. Besides being easier to hold, an electric toothbrush is more thorough on your teeth in less time.
After keeping these tips in mind, you are sure to have a winning smile again in no time!
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