5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR TEETH HEALTHY

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THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL HYGIENE

Your teeth are often one of the first things that people notice about you. Keeping your teeth healthy is essential. Studies have linked plaque on your teeth to plaque in your arteries and to heart health. Gum disease can cause blood infections, and tooth loss can often affect your self-esteem and self-worth. These five tips will keep your teeth healthy no matter what.

5 TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

1. KEEP YOUR TOOTHBRUSH CLEAN

The one item that comes in contact with your teeth every single day is your toothbrush. This means that keeping it clean is a must. Though many bacteria die when they are taken from your mouth and are left to air dry on your brush, some do tend to stay behind and a filthy, old brush can put those germs right back in your mouth each time you brush. Also, if you keep your brush near the toilet, there is a good chance that the toilet spray when you flush may have landed on your toothbrush meaning there are even more germs on it. Try replacing your brush every few months and sanitizing it in boiling water every month.

2. BRUSH TWICE A DAY

One of the main causes of cavities is food that is left behind when you eat. The food provides sustenance for the bacteria that then eat away at your enamel and ultimately cause cavities. Brush your teeth twice a day at least to remove built up food particles and to make sure your teeth are free of foods. If you can, brush after every meal. Though brushing after every meal may not be possible, brushing before bed helps to remove the build up from the day and brushing when you wake up can freshen breath and remove any bacteria that may have built up during the night.

3. FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY

Flossing is again a great way to deprive bacteria of food and ultimately help reduce the likelihood that you are going to get cavities. Though dentists advise that you floss after every meal, you should at the very least floss once a day to remove buildup and to remove food from between teeth so that it cannot cause dental issues later. Removing food can also help to keep your enamel safe and can help prevent further damage to your teeth. If you cannot stand flossing, you should try to use flossers to help remove food particles and keep teeth clean and healthy.

4. LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE

We all love sugar, including the bacteria that cause cavities. You also are far more likely to be eating acidic foods if they are very sugary which is again terrible for your teeth. Sugar that is left in the mouth also have a tendency to cause tooth rot and tooth decay which can affect your overall health and well-being. Though you are not going to have to cut out sugar entirely, try cutting back or at the very least, brushing and flossing when you do eat sweets. Cutting down on sweets can also help you lose weight and can help you have better breath. There have been studies that prove that high sugar intake is linked to bad breath.

5. CHEW GUM

Chewing gum, sugar free of course, has the ability to help improve your overall mouth health in several ways. For starters, it helps to strengthen the muscles in your mouth and your gums that work to keep your teeth in place. It can also help alleviate dry mouth by creating more saliva that can help keep the mouth moist and comfortable. On top of that, it can also help create saliva that helps to move food particles out of your teeth and that can also help remove bacteria by washing it away with the saliva. Chewing gum can also help keep you from unhealthy snacking and eating too much sugar as well. This means healthier teeth all around. No matter what tip you decide to use, even if is only one or two, your teeth can be healthier if you just set out to make them so. Your teeth are the only set that you get and as such keeping them healthy can save you pain, aggravation, and embarrassment down the road. Keeping your teeth healthy is easier than you might imagine, you just have to know what tips and tricks work.