According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect over 3 billion people, which cause discomfort, pain, defacement, and in worst cases, death. The use of tobacco, excessive alcohol, and an unhealthy diet consisting of foods rich in sugar are the main culprits, but your age can make your teeth brittle and fragile as well.
Not only will having weak teeth make your smile less attractive, but they will also make your body vulnerable to serious illnesses, including heart or brain infections, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Fortunately, with just a few tricks up your sleeve, you can strengthen your teeth and bring back their glory days.
Tooth-brushing is your best friend, but do not overdo it
A study conducted by Delta Dental indicates 2 percent of Americans admit to not brushing their teeth, while 31 percent fail to do the routine at least two times a day. The same research also suggests many people have gone days without a proper toothbrush.
You cannot create words and sentences without knowing first the basic alphabet, right? The same goes for oral hygiene. Brushing is the first and primary step towards cleansing teeth from debris and bacteria. It doesn’t matter whether you have the most luxurious brand of mouthwash or dental floss. If you’re lazy brushing your teeth, all your efforts will go down the drain.
If that’s not enough to convince you, a survey was initiated involving adults in the US. Nearly 84 percent shared that bad teeth can hurt the professional and personal life of a person. Hence, putting extreme emphasis on the importance of oral care.
Brushing your teeth should not be a complicated process, but be sure you are doing it the correct way. Doing so will help prevent tooth loss and gum disease. Twice a day is enough and is generally recommended. Start this habit in the morning, then finally before going to bed. Do not over-brush because it weakens enamel.
Do your teeth look so bad even if you do regular brushing?
Perhaps you spend minimal time scouring your teeth, or you brush too aggressively. The former will result in ongoing decay, while the latter often causes enamel erosion and gum recession. Your toothbrush may also be to blame. It must be ADA sealed; otherwise, you’ll be putting yourself at risk for any form of oral condition.
The hard toothbrush may seem capable enough to wash out food particles and plaque buildup in the mouth, but the amount of pressure it emits can harm your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association (ADA) and dental professionals constantly propose using a soft toothbrush with multi-layer or angled bristles. It cleans thoroughly without causing temporary or permanent damage.
Use Specialized Toothpaste
Many of us simply toss a tube of toothpaste in a grocery cart without checking the formula. After all, each toothpaste is equally created, right? Well, that’s far from reality. Some have compounds (e.g., coloring) that cause your teeth to react adversely, and eventually making them weak.
Fluoride toothpaste is a popular recommendation among dentists, but you can seek consultation from a professional to help you determine the right brand for your situation. There’s also specialized enamel-strengthening toothpaste that whitens teeth with daily use.
Floss with Care
When it comes to flossing, people need more scope for improvement as only 40 percent admitted to flossing their teeth at least once a day. However, it also appears that women are more likely to floss than men, which imposes further dental problems.
Floss helps to eliminate the accumulation of plaque and fragments between teeth. Strip around 18 inches long and use your forefingers and thumbs to string around.
Watch What You Eat
Certain foods like tomatoes have a blend of pigments and acids that may either stain or wear out your enamel. Some of your favorite fruits are highly acidic, too, including oranges, citrus, and grapefruits. But don’t worry! We don’t want to mess up your cravings and starve you. Have a share of them on your tabletop, but be sure to consume only in moderation as part of your balanced meal.
Even dairy products increase acid levels in the mouth, specifically lactose contained in milk. To save you from dental costs, consider switching over lactose-free versions or going with healthier alternatives like soy milk.
If possible, remove refined sugar and grains from your diet. Aside from producing harmful acid on the teeth, sugar is also known as a contributing factor to several health issues. The phytic acid in grains is what makes them discouraging to consume. It spoils the absorption of essential nutrients in the body. Fermented grains are less harmful, so you can have a few plates if you want.
Stuff your body with calcium, vitamins, and minerals to restore the strength of your teeth caused by aging or natural occurrences. Include dark leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, mushrooms, eggs, cheese, etc. Also, try sugar-free gum or probiotics for remineralization while at the same time helping to remove sugar, carbs, and plaque.
Replace Juice and Soda with Water
Resist the temptation of grabbing a bottle of juice or soda, or your teeth will suffer at a later time. They are very acidic and can contribute to the yellowing of teeth. Tea and coffee are not entirely off-limits. They help with remineralization in at least a little way. However, you may want to limit your intake since they can be acidic.
Water is a health-giving option. Apart from being naturally sugar-free, it gets rid of harmful substances piled up in the body. If brushing your teeth is not feasible, just drink a glass of water after eating sugary or acidic foods to rinse out your mouth.
Get Regular Checkups
When was the last time you had your oral health checked by a dentist? Some shrug off the idea due to extra costs, while others only visit a dental clinic once their teeth hurt. Create a schedule every six months for a checkup and cleaning to detect tooth grinding, cavities, and other dental issues before they cause further damage. Better to be safe than sorry!