The Small Things That Matter in Dental Up-keeping
As we all know, simply brushing twice a day isn’t enough to maintain optimal health. And though we floss regularly and use a good toothpaste, our dental health doesn't seem to be at its best.
That’s because maintaining good dental health is not limited to a couple of habits. It’s an elaborate process of do’s and don'ts and takes a few weeks to get habituated with. But once you no longer have to remind yourself of the habits and you do them naturally, your dental health will progressively start to get better.
In this article, we will understand the small things, or rather the little additional habits that matter in your dental up-keeping.
Using the right toothbrush
Some of you may find it silly and say “A toothbrush is a toothbrush right!”, but hear me out. Every one of us needs a different kind of toothbrush; one with a small head or a big one, soft bristles for sensitive teeth or hard ones for other selective purposes, such as removing stains.
Using an electric toothbrush to get better cleaning if your regular toothbrush isn’t giving results, and many other such things are responsible for deciding what kind of toothbrush you should be using.
The first step, and it normally might not seem to be a big deal, is to find a toothbrush that’s right for you. Rest, later.
Once you’ve got yourself the right toothbrush, be sure to protect it from any contaminants. It’s good to use toothbrush protectors, and BrushGuard toothbrush protectors offer the best protection.
Drink Water
When asked if we drink enough water, most of us would respond with a YES. But the truth is, more than half of the people in the US do not drink enough water. Naturally, it leads to dehydration but apart from that it also impacts your dental health.
Drinking water regularly cleanses your teeth, possibly removing any food particles that are stuck in between the teeth. There’s absolutely no disadvantage to drinking a lot of water. So, there’s nothing stopping you.
Keeping a bottle by your desk, or bedside can help you form the habit really quickly. More so, if you like to sip on something throughout the day.
Avoid snacking all-day
I know, the title might come as a personal attack to many of us, I too am guilty of it on some days. And although constantly snacking might be a lot of fun, it does more damage to your teeth than you could imagine.
Most of the snacks we consume regularly are filled with a lot of sugar, a lot. And if you consume them regularly it can cause tooth decay. It’s best if you avoid snacking throughout the day, and if you feel like having something anyways you can grab something that isn’t loaded with sugar. You know something like roasted chickpeas or popcorn.
Do not drink soft drinks
Since we’re talking about sugar, how can we miss soft drinks!
If you have a habit of drinking soft drinks every day, you might as well say goodbye to good dental health. And not just the sugar that causes tooth decay, but the acidic nature of the drink tends to cause tooth erosion, and that's bad.
It’s damaging even if you consume only a bottle a day, worse if you sip one over longer periods of time. In conclusion, if you want your teeth to be healthy, letting go of this habit would be a brilliant step in the right direction.
Do not brush immediately after eating
I don’t know about you but I had a habit of brushing my teeth shortly after having dinner, and while at that time it seemed like a good idea, I started to develop teeth sensitivity issues shortly.
The science behind this is that the surface of your teeth becomes weak after you eat or drink , and brushing immediately might cause particles of the top layer to be brushed off. And this can result in sensitivity issues.
It's advised that you wait at least an hour after you’ve eaten something and then brush.
Wear a Mouthguard
Now, this is not for everyone, but particularly those who play sports. One quick injury and before you can process it you have a tooth in your hand.
Our teeth are our assets and it’s our responsibility to protect them. Using a mouthguard or helmet will protect you from any serious injuries and help keep your teeth safe.
Sugar-free gum can be a saver
Remember how we talked about reducing or eliminating sugary snacks from our diet, but we know some of us just like to keep our mouths busy.
Sugar-free gums come out as a brilliant solution to that problem. Chewing on the gums can keep your mouth engaged and keep you off from eating any harmful snacks. Not just that, having gum after a meal can help mitigate the effects of an acid attack and also help mineralise the teeth. Additionally, gums help produce more saliva, which as we know helps our teeth be clean.
Keep a pack on your desk, in your pocket and in your car, and you’ll save yourself from eating those harmful snacks for good.
See a Dentist
I know we’re discussing the small things but this one needs a special mention.
Visit your dentist regularly, preferably every 6 months. They’ll be able to provide you with a detailed assessment and warn you of any potential issues in advance. You can then develop habits that help you prevent those issues.
Dental health needs some dedication, with these tips you’ll be one step closer to your dental up-keeping. After all, all of us want a bright smile!