Given the vital role your teeth play, are you sure you’re doing everything in your power to ensure that they stay healthy? We’re willing to bet that you aren’t. Fortunately, there are ways that are both simple and natural that can prevent as well as treat decay and cavities in your teeth without leaving you broke. That process begins with the way that you eat. Eating an array of vegetables and fruits can be truly beneficial. According to “The British Medical Journal, switching your diet towards a healthier alternative can undo the damage to your teeth.” But what do you need to do exactly?
Food alone won’t give you the minerals and vitamins that your body needs, so make sure to add supplements and vitamins to your diet. But the foods you need to eat more of include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, which contain fiber. You should also include bananas, Brussels sprouts, peas, and apples. Keep in mind that whole grains have magnesium, which absorb calcium and reinforce your teeth. Remember that calcium is what keeps your bones healthy too.
“Brush your teeth after every meal,” is what dentists used to tell us over and over again when we were kids. Unfortunately, we can’t always do that, but you need to find the time to brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, at least. Do it twice a day. Make nighttime brushing a priority. Saliva, which is a natural cavity fighter, decreases production while we’re sleeping, putting your teeth at bigger risk. This is why brushing before going to bed increases your odds at having healthier teeth. Now, let’s talk about that brush. It needs to be soft. The softer the bristles, the more comfortable brushing will feel. Also, soft-bristle brushes are able to get rid of plaque and good particles between your teeth. Now, regarding the brush…
You have to clean and replace your toothbrush more often than you normally do. Given that you’re sticking that brush into your mouth, wouldn’t you want to ensure that it’s squeaky clean? You should definitely switch out your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every four months or so. To make sure it’s time to replace it, look at the bristles. If they don’t seem straight and curl under, or lean to the sides, you need a new brush. And if your brush came with a cover, don’t use it. Covers are a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. So instead, run your brush under the tap after you’re done using it and let it dry in the open air.
This might sound odd, but sugarless gum can save your teeth. But remember, it can’t be the sweet, delicious bubble gum you used to chew as a kid. Sugarless chewing gum prevents tooth decay because it contains Xylitol, which fights bacterial growth in your mouth because it’s a natural sweetener. Aside from that, as you chew, your mouth produces more saliva, and that saliva can get rid of any remaining food particles stuck in your teeth.
Do you ever wonder what sealants do and if you should even use them? Sealants protect your teeth from plaque and decay. Sealants are a clear coating that gets applied to your teeth, but you can only get this treatment from your dentist. Fortunately, the treatment will keep your teeth safe for years. But if you do this, you’ll have to visit your dentist regularly so that they can check and make sure that the integrity of the sealant isn’t compromised. If necessary, they’ll reapply. Think of it as a protective shield for your teeth.
So you’ve already learned that sugarless gum, and eating lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruits can make your teeth healthy. This means that sticky, sweet foods can do the exact opposite. We get that these treats taste great, but sugary foods are the plaque-forming bacteria’s favorite meal. Sticky food is also not only tough to remove but gets stuck between teeth. These foods, many of which have lots of sugar, can lead to cavities. If you have to eat them, you should floss and brush your teeth as soon as possible.
When it comes to teeth health, you need to be more proactive. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to see a dentist. Adults should get a dental exam and professional cleaning once a year. Professional cleanings maintain gums and teeth in the best shape possible. Besides, only a dentist has the knowledge to tell you if there are any problems early on. Also, you’ll walk out of the dental office with a shiny smile that feels clean and healthy. (Who knows? Your dentist might even give you a toothbrush for free!)
Did you know that you can take charge and create your very own toothpaste? It’s easy. Just mix 4 tbsp of calcium powder, 1 tbsp of stevia, 1 tbsp of sea salt, 2 tbsp of baking soda, and ¼ cup of coconut oil to create the perfect paste. Make sure there aren’t any crumbs in the mix. This is a perfect substitute to conventional toothpaste. Just don’t use it for more than a month in a row. This mixture doesn’t contain fluoride and can be quite abrasive against your teeth. So, switch this with your regular toothpaste every other month.
Your dentist will know if you haven’t been flossing every day when your gums start to bleed during your check-up. We know it’s not fun, but flossing keeps your teeth healthy and clean. Try flossing on a daily basis, and if possible, right before you go to bed to get rid of any food particles near your gums. You can also go to a drugstore and buy some pre-flossed picks if regular dental floss isn’t of your liking. Whichever you choose, keep some in your desk, or purse so you’ll be able to floss on a daily basis.
Drinking lots of water is healthy for our bodies, especially our teeth, but bottled water just won’t cut it, which is why you should go for the tap. Tap water is actually very good for your teeth because, unlike bottled water, it contains fluoride, an element that shields your teeth from cavities. You can ask your dentist for other options if you don’t feel comfortable drinking tap water or you simply hate the taste of it. This shouldn’t be a problem at all since you are seeing your dentist on a regular basis. You are, seeing one, aren’t you?
Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable, but it can be very bad for the overall health of your teeth. Remember that saliva prevents plaque, but if you’re not producing any, or as much, your teeth won’t get enough protection. There are a lot of reasons why you might suffer from dry mouth. It may be caused by aging, medical ailments, or aging. This condition can lead to other oral health problems like plaque formation, gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. If your mouth is dry, talk to your dentist and your doctor. They can offer solutions that are simple. While we’re on the subject of simple…
Use mouthwash once a day for about a minute. It really can’t get any simpler than this. You can’t tell us that you don’t have the time. Not only do people use mouthwash to improve their breath, but it contains fluoride, which protects teeth from cavities. If you swish mouthwash vigorously, you can help dislodge food stuck between teeth that would otherwise contribute to gum disease and cavities. The bottom line is, you should be using mouthwash.
Fluoride shields your teeth from acidity, which can lead to tooth decay. Acid attacks are caused by sugar and bacterial plague in your mouth. Fluoride can undo tooth decay in its early stages. Even those of you who floss and brush regularly will need fluoride. To that end, fluoride treatments throughout your life will help you reverse tooth decay. Keep that in mind, because it’s not only cheaper, but easier to preserve the teeth you have than trying to restore what’s been lost because of poor dental hygiene. But there’s one last thing…
Coconut oil can do a lot more for your teeth than it does for your cooking or baking. Coconut provides natural protection for your teeth, so they won’t decay as much. The way the coconut oil works is that it acts like a magnet and pulls bacteria from your teeth and heals them. So swish some coconut oil, a tablespoon will suffice, into your mouth and keep it there for about 20 minutes, or until your saliva and oil become milky white. But don’t swallow it. This process not only whitens your teeth but prevents cavities. And who could say no to a smile that’s healthy as heck?