Health and Fitness

Why Brushing Isn’t Enough: How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Most people know that brushing their teeth is important to maintain good oral hygiene. But brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth healthy. There are many other things you should consider when trying to take care of your teeth. Here are just a few.

Floss

One of the most important things you can do for your teeth is floss them once a day. According to Murfreesboro Family Dentistry, there are many spaces in your teeth that tiny food particles can get stuck in. Flossing can help remove food particles. Flossing can also stimulate your gums and help reduce inflammation. Flossing can be difficult though, especially if you’re not used to it. An alternative could be using ready-made flossers, which are easier to use. You can also try using mouthwash in addition to flossing to clean the back teeth where your toothbrush and flosser might miss spots.

Eat Healthy Foods

According to Off the Cusp, another way to keep your teeth healthy is to eat healthy foods. Foods high in sugar can be damaging to your teeth because the dental bacteria breaks down the sugar into acids. That acid can erode the enamel on your teeth. Instead of eating sugary foods, try fruits and vegetables, especially the crunchy ones. It’s not only good for your teeth, it’s good for your jaw as well. In addition to eating healthy foods, make sure to drink plenty of water, and limit your soda intake. Soda and other sugary drinks are just as bad as sugary foods. Water can even help remove plaque from your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

Even if you are the most diligent teeth brusher and flosser on the planet, you won’t be perfect, which is why it is important to visit your dentist at least twice a year. They can check your teeth for cavities and do a deeper cleaning than what you do daily. The dentist can also spot potential problems that you may not even be aware of. They can also give you personalized advice for your teeth to help you take care of them better. Visiting the dentist may be a drudgery at times but going to the dentist will help your mouth in the long run.

Brushing your teeth should be one of the things you do daily as part of your personal hygiene routine, but it is not the only thing you can do to take care of your teeth. Remember to do all the things listed above so that your teeth can remain healthy for a long time to come.

Read this next: Practicing Proper Oral Health: Ways to Protect a Child’s Teeth