Taking care of your teeth and gums does not happen automatically, but it can be easy if you develop the right everyday habits. Whether you are looking to improve your oral health, fight back against gum disease, or prevent dental problems before they happen, there are several things that anyone can do to make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.
These techniques go above and beyond brushing every day and can help you even if you have struggled with healthy teeth and gums in the past. Each technique is simple to incorporate into your daily routine to help take the best care of your teeth and gums possible.
1) Improve the Quality of Your Toothpaste and Mouthwash
One of the first things you can do is improve your choice of toothpaste and mouthwash. Options with fluoride will always be a good choice, but you can also consult with your dentist on the best products that will benefit the specific condition of your teeth and gums.
2) Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential to your health on every level. It’s good for hair and skin, digestion, and organ health. But it’s also important for the health of your teeth and gums. Drinking plenty of water will encourage healthy saliva production and fight back against a receding gumline. Drinking a great deal of water daily can also help counteract the effects of dehydrating weather, medication, or activities.
3) Healthy Nutrition for Teeth
You can also eat foods that provide the nutrients you need to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. Calcium, of course, matters, but so does a balance of vitamins and minerals. The following list is a great selection of foods that are easy to add to your diet. The more you stock up on things like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Omegas, the better your body will be equipped to maintain oral health.
- Diary
- Leafy Greens and Broccoli
- Nuts
- Fatty Fish
- Sweet Potatoes
- Whole Grains
4) Reduce Your Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugar and acid will eat away at your enamel, while sugar that remains on your teeth is also food for plaque. This is why things like coffee and soda are not good for your teeth, in addition to the staining qualities of dark liquids. However, eating sweets or even acidic fruits without brushing afterward can-do damage for as long as the acid or sugar remains on your teeth.
- Coffee
- Soda
- Sweets and sugary foods
- Processed foods and grains
- Citrus Fruits
- Tomatoes
- Fruit Juice
5) Enjoy Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Interestingly, while acidic fruits are risky, crunchy fruits are good for your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables scrub your teeth during the day, acting as nature’s toothbrushes. Crunchy foods also promote healthy saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural hydration, cleansing, and immune system. This means crunchy fruits and vegetables are your ideal snacks during the day, especially if you can’t or don’t want to brush in the middle of the day.
6) Be Mindful of Your Medications
Medications can play an important role in your oral health. Many medications reduce your saliva production and cause low-level dry mouth. This alone can increase your risk of gum disease and cause your gums to recess. The following are a few very common medications that can cause this. If you take any medication that causes dehydration or saliva reduction, you’ll want to drink more water and use tricks like gum to promote saliva production in response.
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Painkillers
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
7) Determine If You Grind Your Teeth
If you have regular aches in your teeth head, jaw, or neck, or if there are signs that your enamel is cracking, you might be grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding is a sign of stress and can even happen in your sleep. Talk to your dentist about how to detect if you are grinding your teeth, what times it happens, and the best route to prevent it.
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, your dentist can give you a night guard that will cushion your teeth against each other and help you not to grind.
8) Research Your Genetic Oral Health History
You may also be able to find the mystery of persistent oral health problems in your genetic medical history. Check with your family members and medical records to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to certain oral diseases.
In rare cases, you may also have a medical condition that could be genetic like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
9) Limit Your Smoke and Vape
Smoking and vaping can also negatively affect your gums and oral health. While everyone knows that smoking can yellow your teeth, even clean vapor acts as an oral dehydrator. This can, like all dehydration, cause your gums to recede and can increase your risk of gum disease. While you do not have to give up these habits, it may be a good idea to reduce your exposure and counteract the effects with hydration and saliva-stimulating habits.
10) Rinse Your Mouth After Each Meal and Snack
Finally, remember to rinse your mouth after you eat or drink. This final tip is easy to do, you don’t even need to carry a toothbrush. A quick swish with water after every snack, coffee, or sugary drink can help to keep your mouth hydrated and chase away many of the plaque-causing particles that food leaves behind.
Take Care of Your Teeth with Your Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Improving your oral health is a comprehensive approach, but each step is relatively easy to do. Choosing the right snacks, staying hydrated, and rinsing often make up many of the lifestyle choices. On top of this, remain aware of how your overall health might affect your oral health and keep in touch with your dentist through regular appointments. Take care of your teeth and oral health with Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Contact us today to learn more or to book your next oral health appointment.