03 Feb 2017 A New Years Resolution For Dental Health
If one of your New Year’s Day resolutions was to have better dental habits, then you should understand these important tips that are recommended by dentists.
Make Sure to Use These Healthy Teeth Habits On a Daily Basis
1: Remember to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
It is essential to brush and floss your teeth each day to remove food debris and bacteria that will lead to decay, gingivitis and halitosis. Experts recommend brushing your teeth before going to bed and when you wake-up in the morning, but you can perform oral hygiene more often. Use dental floss each evening to remove additional bacteria and food debris.
2: Consume a Nutritious Diet Each Day
A nutritious diet is imperative for your overall well-being, including keeping your gums and teeth stronger or whiter. Make sure to eat these types of foods on a daily basis:
- Vegetables – carrots, broccoli and cauliflower
- Fruit – oranges, apples and peaches
- Lean meats – chicken, beef, pork and fish
- Dairy foods – yogurt and cheese
- Whole-grain foods – bread and pasta
3: Stop Smoking Cigarettes to Prevent Inflammation
Smoking is bad for your teeth and gums because the chemicals in cigarettes cause inflammation. After your gum tissue swells and becomes inflamed, it is more difficult to brush and floss your teeth. You are more likely to have gum disease or infected dental roots when you smoke cigarettes.
4: Visit a Dentist Twice a Year
One of the most important healthy teeth habits is scheduling an appointment with a dentist twice a year for a basic checkup. During this examination, a dentist can find minor problems such as small cavities to prevent additional decay. In addition, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque that is located in hard to reach areas.
5: Don’t Chew On Hard Substances
Chewing on hard substances such as ice cubes, pencils or your fingernails is bad for your teeth. Hard items can chip or crack the enamel on your teeth, and within a few years, your teeth will have permanent damage. In addition, when you place dirty items such as your fingers or pencils in your mouth, you are introducing additional bacteria that can cause infections in your soft oral tissues.
6: Avoid Sugary Beverages
Beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juice and alcohol can damage your teeth because bacteria multiply quickly in sugar. Avoid drinking a lot of sugar-based beverages, and if you do drink an alcoholic beverage or soft drink, then brush and floss your teeth frequently. The best beverage for your teeth and gums is water.
7: Consider Orthodontic Treatment
Despite having the best healthy dental habits, you can have misaligned teeth due to your genetics or other factors. If you have teeth that are crooked or poorly spaced, then a dentist may offer solutions such as designing removable plastic aligners. When you have serious malocclusions of your teeth, a dentist can recommend an orthodontist who can create braces that will shift your teeth into better positions.