You only get one set of natural adult teeth, so it’s important to take care of them. It’s not just about appearances and vanity, either. Teeth that are rotting or damaged can become pathways for bacteria to enter the body, and that can lead to problems with serious illnesses.
Grace and Bowman Orthodontics offers orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages – from early treatment to teens and adults. Our team – led by Dr. Brodie Bowman – understands the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. It can prevent issues from arising, and help you keep your bright white smile. To find out more about great healthy habits, contact Grace and Bowman Orthodontics today.
While you may feel like you just don’t have time to take great care of your teeth and brush them three times a day, the truth is that great oral hygiene is easier than you think. Here are a few tips that you can easily incorporate into your life for teeth that are healthier, stronger and more attractive.
Cut Back on the Sodas
As you age, your teeth will naturally change. One of the biggest changes to be aware of is the degradation of enamel caused by acids in the mouth. Cutting back on the acid is easy if you’re willing to reduce your intake of carbonated beverages. The problem with carbonation is that it increases acid in the mouth, leads to tiny pits in the teeth and encourages decay. Not only will your teeth be healthier when you consume more water, but you might also start to see a difference in your waistline.
Reach for Gum, Not Sweets
Your dentist told you to cut back on sugar when you were little, and the same advice holds as you age. If you’re craving something sweet, reach for a sugar-free gum instead of a cookie. The gum will satisfy the craving, and you’ll produce more saliva to help clean the mouth and neutralize acids.
Swish with Water
You may not have time right before an important meeting to go to the restroom and brush your teeth, but you can still freshen them up with a little swirl of water. Simply swish the water around your mouth vigorously before swallowing it. You’ll keep your teeth clean, and you’ll feel a little more confident.
Avoid Extremely Crunchy Foods
It may be satisfying to crunch on ice, but this is bad for your teeth. Professionals recommend chewing very carefully when eating meats and other foods to avoid damaging your teeth on seeds or bones. Taking care of your teeth today will help them strong and beautiful tomorrow.
Use mouthwash the Right Way
You know to brush and floss, and you love how fresh your mouth feels after you use a little mouthwash, but are you using the mouthwash properly? Ideally, you should swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute to reap the greatest benefit. You should also use mouthwash after brushing. Otherwise, the brushing action simply washes away the protective coating that some mouthwashes leave behind. You should also read the label to see if mouthwash should be diluted before using.
You only get one set of permanent teeth, so you should take great care of them. While you may not have time to brush your teeth after lunch, you can still find time to swish out most of the food particles with water and then follow up with a little mouthwash. You can change a few of your dining habits to protect your teeth without giving up the things you love most.