![The ultimate guide to oral hygiene: what can we do to keep our teeth healthy?](https://www.goldcoastdentalstudio.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/healthhyteeth.png)
We all experience problems with our teeth, but what can we do to prevent these issues in the first place?
Nowhere is the phrase ‘prevention is better than a cure’ more applicable than when it comes to dental hygiene. There is a multitude of ways we can take care of our teeth in between regular trips to the dentist. What we put into our bodies, and our habits play a massive role in the health of our teeth; and far too often, we don’t consider the effect some foods have on our teeth.
This article will show you some of the many ways you can keep your teeth healthy while also maintaining a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients you need.
Gold Coast Dental Studio is committed to excellence in all facets of dentistry and we know that being informative is an important part of dentistry. So, let’s start with healthy habits and the things we can do at home and in our daily lives that will benefit our oral health.
Six healthy habits that will keep you smiling brighter for longer
- Never, under any circumstances, should you ignore a dental problem. Whether it’s a throbbing pain or bleeding of the gum, these problems don’t go away on their own and are likely symptomatic of a bigger problem. Always consult your dentist as soon as you experience anything out of the ordinary.
- Never rush to brush. Take the time to brush your teeth properly. This means brushing your teeth at all angles and all the way into the places that collect food including brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth together. This can cause your teeth to become sensitive as your protective coating is stripped away.
- Chew sugar free gum. Chewing on sugar free gum helps to keep your teeth clean throughout the day. It also stimulates the production of saliva, which has many benefits to oral hygiene, including:
- Keeping your mouth moist and comfortable
- Helping to chew, taste and swallow
- Fighting off harmful germs in your mouth which prevents bad breath
- It also has proteins and minerals which protect your tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Drink lots of water. Water is highly influential in flushing out all the bacteria in your mouth and also balances the acidity in your mouth which can cause erosion. Water also promotes a process called remineralisation which strengthens your teeth.
- Flossing should never be left out of your daily routine. Think about it, do the bristles on your brush go in-between your teeth? Flossing gets to the places that your brush can’t reach and those are the areas that need to stay clean to prevent tooth decay.
5 foods that your teeth will love you for eating
- Cheese is high in calcium which increases the production of saliva and lowers the acidity inside your mouth. Try and stick to harder, more mature cheeses as these will have the best affect on your teeth.
- Red meat and poultry. In fact, most meat will have a positive influence on your teeth. Mainly because they are packed with all the minerals that humans require.
- Enjoy a cup of tea? Well, keep it up. Drinking green and black tea contains polyphenols, which act to prevent the growth of bacteria, and is also a great provider of fluoride.
- Go nuts with nuts. Nuts are a fantastic source of calcium and are phosphorous which will naturally provide your teeth with the nutrients they need to prevent tooth decay.
- Eat your greens. Eating your greens has always been important, but did you know they rich in vitamins and minerals and calcium as well?
Schedule regular appointments with Gold Coast Dental Studio
Many people struggle with a phobia of going to the dentist, but so many dental issues can be solved without too much fuss if you simply attend your checkups when you need to.
For friendly, quality service for the whole family make an appointment with Gold Cost Dental Studio today.