Published By: Sougata Dutta

5 habits that will keep your teeth safe

Strong teeth means a strong body too.

Teeth are only exposed to part of our skeleton. They play a big role in our body functions like digestion and immunity. Teeth help us process the food initially by shredding it into smaller pieces. Damaged teeth can lead to infections, pain and gum issues. Unhygienic teeth and gum can cause problems in our digestive system hence creating overall health issues. Tooth decay can cause problems with self-confidence. There are many ways to keep your teeth safe. Here are some of them:

Regularity: Brush Daily

Most of us know that brushing twice in a day helps us to keep our teeth clean and bacteria free. But there is a technique to it. You should take care of every tooth individually with circular motions rather than just sawing back and forth. You don’t need to be aggressive while brushing. It can damage tooth enamel and gums. You should use a brush with soft bristles and change the toothbrush every three months.

Floss: Once a Day

There are places between teeth where brush can’t reach. Floss comes handy in these cases. It can remove bacteria and plaque from between the teeth. Floss is a strong thin string, which you have to press in between two teeth till it touches the gumline and then you have to apply up-down motions. Don’t do it rapidly because vigorous movements can lead to gum and pain. And with this you should apply mouthwash daily to rinse out any unwanted residuals from your mouth.

See a Dentist: Every 6 Months

You should visit a dental doctor for a routine check-up at least twice a year. You cannot actually see inside your mouth so you need someone else to examine and clean your teeth. They can check visual signs for cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems. They can remove plaque and hardened layers from teeth.

Drink Choices: Avoid Sugary Drinks

Sugar is such a component which can harm your teeth. Sugar can cause cavities as it makes a layer on the tooth which decomposes the surface of the tooth. Sugar containing foods are broken down in simple sugar. There are some acid-producing bacteria which feed on them resulting in acid formation and tooth decay. You should drink plenty of water and avoid soda, processed juice, etc.

Do Not Smoke: It's Just Poison

There is another reason behind yellowish teeth and tongue and that is smoking. Smoking causes problems in the immune system which leads to problems in the whole body including oral problems like gum disease. Smoking delays the healing in the mouth and affects its appearance.