Five tips to get naturally shiny and strong teeth
Your mouth is the first gateway that your food (and thus all your nutrition) passes through. And for that very reason, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes vital for your overall well being. Not only is bad dental hygiene detrimental to your health, it also reduces your self esteem and social confidence. For whiter, shinier, and stronger teeth, follow these easy, at-home tips.
Brush your teeth well and for the right duration
Simply heading to the washbasin and quickly wiping your brush over your set of thirty-two won't get you good-looking teeth. Brush thoroughly, up-down, left-right, and at the back of the teeth as well, for good 2-3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly afterwards. Further, you should look to brush your teeth at least twice every 24 hours, if bad breath and yellowness are to be avoided.
Regularly use floss and a fluoridated toothpaste
Always make sure to use a fluoridated toothpaste, as it helps harden tooth enamel, and reduces risk of decay. And although brushing is good for cleaning the surface of your teeth, it alone won't do wonders to your oral hygiene. Thus, to get the food residue and other harmful substances out of the spaces between your teeth, use floss.
Mind your food
In order to improve your dental health, look to minimize your consumption of acidic drinks (read sodas and alcohol), as they are known to lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, goes without saying, tobacco consumption is extremely bad for your dental health. Additionally, you should limit your sugar intake as well, as the bacteria in dental plaque can convert sugars into acids.
Don't overuse your teeth; See your dentist regularly
Your teeth aren't (technically) meant for being used for purposes other than, of course, eating. So, just stop using them for opening bottle tops, and cracking nuts, as you're risking chipping and breakage of your teeth by doing so. Also, for ensuring long-term dental well-being, regular dental check-ups and oral cleaning are a must. Remember those childhood dental trips? Get back to them again!
Other handy tips for dental health
Include more teeth-friendly food items such as nuts, apples, and cheese in your diet. Further, your tongue can harbor bacteria as well, so don't forget cleaning it. Wipe it well with your toothbrush while brushing, or use a tongue cleaner to maintain its hygiene. Additionally, you could also consider using a natural, anti-bacterial mouthwash (as prescribed by your dentist) for better oral heath.