Your teeth are among the first things that other people notice about you, which is one of the main reasons why you want to take excellent care of them. However, in addition to merely wanting them to look white and healthy, maintaining your dental health is critical to reducing the possibility of tooth decay and cavities. What’s more, oral health is a crucial component of your overall health and well-being, and should be taken seriously. 

From the foods to eat in moderation to the importance of brushing and flossing, read on for the seven essential steps you need to take to ensure healthy teeth for life. 

1. Commit to your brushing schedule. 

One of the most important things you can do to maintain the health of your teeth is to brush them twice a day. By brushing your teeth once in the morning and again in the evening, you can be assured that you are removing the majority of germs and plaque accumulated throughout the day and night. If you don’t remove plaque, it will harden and lead to buildup and gum disease.

Additionally, you should be brushing your tongue twice a day as plaque builds up on it, which can result in mouth odor and more serious oral health problems. Therefore, make sure you are always gently brushing your tongue along with your teeth. And if you need professional help, call the pediatric dentist woodbridge va.

2. Brush gently. 

Here’s something that’s just as important as the frequency of brushing your teeth — you also want to ensure that you are cleaning them in the right way. Unfortunately, too many people brush their teeth in a manner that is detrimental to their dental health. In fact, in many cases, brushing your teeth the wrong way is almost as bad as not brushing your teeth at all.

To reap the full benefits of brushing your teeth, make sure you maintain the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and then gently move it around in circular motions. Once you reach the teeth’s chewing surfaces, start brushing them with a light backward and forwards movement. Finally, tilt the brush vertically to clean the inside surface thoroughly. These steps are proven to be the most effective way to remove plaque. 

3. Be picky with your toothpaste.

The toothpaste you opt to use will make a significant difference in your ability to maintain healthy teeth. When looking at all the options, you want to be picky with the toothpaste that you choose to guarantee that you are getting the right one for you. Whether you prefer to use pastes, gels, or powders, there is one ingredient that needs to be prioritized. 

For the best protection possible, look for a toothpaste that contains at least 1,000 parts per million fluoride. This fluoride level is necessary, as it is a leading defense against tooth decay and works as a protective shield for your teeth. In many cases, additional toothpaste characteristics come down to personal preference. Many people like having toothpaste with whitening ingredients; however, they can be problematic if you experience tooth sensitivity. 

4. Embrace flossing. 

Flossing is often considered a secondary task to brushing your teeth; however, it is just as essential. When you floss, you are not only ensuring the removal of little pieces of food from in between your teeth, but you are also reducing plaque, helping to lower inflammation, and stimulating your gums. Consequently, it is recommended that you floss once a day and floss before you brush your teeth.

There is a variety of dental floss for you to choose from, including dental tape, standard floss, and super flosses. The best floss for you is the one that feels comfortable and works for the size of the space in between your teeth. Keep in mind that, at first, many people find it challenging to floss correctly; however, over time, you will get used to it, so don’t give up!

5. Limit certain foods and drinks.

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are certain foods and drinks you want to consume in moderation to maintain pearly whites. For example, due to their high pigment level, red wine, coffee, and tea often stain the teeth. While you don’t have to completely cut them out of your diet, you do want to be careful that you don’t overindulge, and make sure to clean your teeth soon after drinking them.  

Similarly, berries are also one of the main culprits for staining teeth as they also contain dark pigments, and the seeds can quickly get stuck in your teeth. Therefore, if you are consuming berries, you want to make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth immediately after. 

6. Prioritize a balanced diet.

That being said, several foods help to whiten your teeth. These foods naturally remove stains and stop the buildup that produces a yellowish tint. For example, apples are a fantastic food for keeping your teeth healthy as their fibrous properties help remove plaque, and their crunch serves as a natural scrubber. For similar reasons, raw cauliflower, celery, and carrots help scrub your teeth of food particles, bacteria, and discoloration. READ  Amazing Latest New Arrival Selection for Boys & Girls

Strawberries work as an astringent for the surface of the teeth which, in turn, helps keep them white, while dairy products keep your enamel strong and less sensitive to plaque buildup. Finally, not only are nuts filled with essential nutrients, but their natural abrasiveness serves to remove stains and plaque as well.

7. Regularly see your dentist. 

Even if you are doing everything you can to keep your teeth healthy, you still want to be regularly seeing your dentist. At the very least, you should be seeing your dentist for a checkup twice a year. During this checkup, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, remove calculus, and scan for cavities. Moreover, they will also be able to catch potential issues and advise you on ways to better care for your teeth.

What steps do you take to maintain your dental health? Do you have any additional tips to add to this list? On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel about your dental hygiene routine? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant insights in the comments below!