How to Take Care of Your Teeth at Home

Strong and attractive teeth equip you with the ability and confidence to face each day. Although attaining such teeth requires the help of the experts at the dental clinic in Smithfield, you, too, have a role to play. Read on to learn how to take care of your teeth at home.

Why Do I Need to Take Care of My Teeth?

Your teeth are prone to various issues which can damage them or cause them to become unattractive. For example, plaque accumulates on your teeth when you do not practice proper oral hygiene. Over time, the teeth will develop decay, cavities, and dental pulp infections. You may also develop gingivitis, tooth abscesses, and tooth loss.

Neglecting to take care of your teeth can also lead to dental trauma. For instance, your teeth can get damaged or even fall out when you play sports without a mouthguard. Dental trauma can also occur if you chew on hard foods, use your teeth as tools or grind your teeth.

You can avoid the issues above and several others if you properly care for your teeth at home. Not taking care of your teeth also affects your overall health. Poor dental health impacts your body. It can lead to oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health. Also, it contributes to pregnancy and birth complications and pneumonia.

In addition, if you do not take care of your teeth, you risk getting severe dental issues. These problems will cause significant discomfort, cost you plenty of money, and waste your time. For example, you can get cavities if you do not brush your teeth and floss daily. Cavities are painful and will require a lot of money to treat at Smithfield dentistry.

At-Home Dental Care Tips

1. Brush your teeth daily

Brushing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria, which can cause havoc in your mouth and body. Therefore, you should brush at least twice daily in the morning and before bed. Do not hurry when brushing. Instead, brush for at least two minutes to ensure you clean all the areas in the mouth. It also ensures your teeth absorb the fluoride from your toothpaste.

2. Floss once daily

Flossing helps get rid of plaque, bacteria, and food particles between teeth. Therefore, it helps reduce cavities between teeth and prevents gum inflammation and disease. When flossing, use the proper techniques and tools for maximum benefits. If you have difficulty flossing, request for help at the dental clinic in Smithfield

3. Use the right toothpaste

Invest in ADA-approved toothpaste that will clean your teeth properly and strengthen them. Ensure that the toothpaste has fluoride and other teeth-building minerals. Fluoride strengthens your teeth, repairs the enamel, and reduces your risk of decay. When using whitening toothpaste for a brighter smile, choose a non-abrasive brand.

4. Avoid sugary or acidic food and drinks

Excessive sugars and acids can damage your teeth. Acids erode the tooth enamel and increase your risk for cavities and sensitivity. On the other hand, sugars get converted to acids and plaque, resulting in decay. Therefore, you should avoid consuming foods and beverages with excess sugars and acids. If you consume them, brush or rinse your mouth immediately.

5. Eat the right foods and drinks

A balanced diet will help you have strong, healthy teeth and gums. So, choose foods that are good for your teeth. You should eat crunchy foods and vegetables. They increase saliva production and help clear plaque from your teeth. These include apples, pears, carrots, beets, and broccoli. Chewing such foods also helps to strengthen your jaws.

Also, take foods that contain calcium and other vital vitamins for better oral health. Calcium-rich foods include low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese, fortified soy drinks, tofu, and almonds. In addition, take plenty of water throughout the day. Water washes away food particles from the mouth and increases saliva production.

6. Visit the dentist

Dentists are crucial in achieving and maintaining healthy, strong, attractive teeth. They clean your mouth thoroughly to eliminate all plaque, tartar, and bacteria. They also examine your teeth for signs of disease or damage and provide necessary treatments.

Therefore, you should visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups. If you are searching for a new dentist or are visiting the area, book an appointment at Webber Comprehensive Dentistry. We accept new clients and have same-day appointments.