
Do you want to learn how to keep teeth healthy naturally without expensive products or procedures? The key is consistency. Your mouth can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can rot and yellow your teeth over time if you’re not taking care of them the proper way.
Through some simple tips, you could potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars at the dentist or orthodontist. Plus, you’ll achieve that beautiful smile you desire.
Read on to learn our seven top tips for teeth health that you can get started on today!
1. Don’t Swish
This is one tip that may seem unnatural at first. After brushing our teeth, many of us swish water in our mouths and then spit out the toothpaste. However, this actually isn’t doing your mouth any favors. When you swish your mouth with water after you brush your teeth, you’re getting rid of the fluoride that is actively helping to prevent tooth decay.
Instead, spit out the toothpaste after you’re done brushing, but don’t swish your mouth with water. Let the toothpaste do its work on your teeth! This is the same with mouthwash. If you like to use mouthwash, use it in the afternoon instead of right after you brush in the morning and evening.
2. Floss Before Brushing
Did you know that according to a National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, only 30% of participants flossed daily? Your dentist tells you all the time, but flossing is just as important as brushing. Not only does it help remove bits of food that your toothbrush can’t reach, but it also helps stimulate your gums and reduce inflammation.
Aim to floss at least once a day before you brush. Before is recommended because you’ll be able to remove any small particles from in-between your teeth. Once you do, this makes it easier for your toothpaste to reach all the nooks and crannies that it’s normally not able to.
3. Scrape Your Tongue
If you haven’t added a tongue scraper to your arsenal, you need to. They range in cost from $5 to $10, so you won’t be breaking the bank, either.
Your tongue is one of the major areas in your mouth where plaque likes to develop. If you’ve ever noticed your tongue is becoming white, this is from a buildup of plaque. Even if you don’t have a scraper, start brushing your tongue as the last step in your dental hygiene routine.
4. Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
How hard you brush your teeth doesn’t matter as much as how often you do it as well as the quality of your technique. Aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day–once when you wake up and before you go to bed. It should take you about two minutes to brush your teeth properly.
To make it easier, break your tooth brushing up into sections. Brush the inside surface and outside surfaces of your teeth first, then brush all the chewing surfaces. You can end your routine by brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper.
You can also break your mouth up into four separate quadrants: the upper left and right and the lower left and right. Some electric brushes make it easy to brush your teeth thoroughly because they will give a short buzz to let you know to start on a new section.
5. Use the Right Toothpaste
The majority of brand-name toothpaste contains fluoride, but it’s important to take a look at the packaging just in case. As an adult, you’ll want to make sure that your favorite toothpaste contains at least 1,350 ppm of fluoride. Children don’t need to use any special kind of children’s toothpaste, as they won’t be harmed by fluoride.
However, children under the age of three need to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
6. The Best Toothbrush
Although electrical toothbrushes make it easier to brush your teeth correctly, they aren’t necessary in order to have good teeth. Whether you’re using an electrical or manual toothbrush, it’s important that they have soft bristles so that you’re not harming your gums while brushing.
How often your brush and your technique while brushing is far more important than the kind of toothbrush you use. If you have the budget to splurge on an electrical toothbrush, go ahead! If you’d rather not, your teeth won’t suffer for it.
7. Find a Dentist
Last but not least, you’ll want to find a good dentist in order to maintain a healthy smile. Regular checkups will ensure that you don’t have a buildup of plaque on your teeth and that you’re preventing cavities. Have you ever wondered, “How can I fix my teeth?” Professional dentists or orthodontists are the best people to turn to in order to receive the best recommendations and service.
Maximizing Your Teeth Health Today
When it comes to teeth health, we hope you follow these tips for healthy teeth and gums. Far more than expensive tools and products, all you need to do is develop a consistent habit of proper teeth brushing and flossing. Aim to floss your teeth before you brush them, and try to refrain from swishing your mouth with water or mouthwash after you brush your teeth.
If you feel impatient brushing your teeth for a total of four minutes each day, find other ways to keep you preoccupied during this time. Put on a funny video or listen to a podcast while you take care of your teeth; you’ll find that the time goes faster!
Ready for more tips for a healthy life? Keep reading our blog for more informative tips and tricks!