Caring for your teeth and gums can help improve the quality of your life and help you live well for longer. A healthy mouth lets you do things that you may take for granted like speak, smile, eat and drink.
Looking after your teeth also helps to prevent common dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease. Here are some top oral hygiene tips for those looking to look after their teeth.
How to keep your breath smelling fresh
Lots of things like the foods you eat, the beverages you drink, and the medicines you take can spoil fresh breath, but there are lots of different ways to keep bad breath at bay:
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Keep handy sugar-free mints, mouth sprays and sugar-free gum which can work as a quick fix when you need one.
- Drink green tea which contains antimicrobials that work like a deodorant to minimize bad breath.
- Most of all; practice good oral hygiene which includes brushing twice a day, flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
How to brush your teeth to keep a healthy smile
Brushing your teeth with an electronic toothbrush rather than a manual one has been shown to be more effective at removing plaque and also safer for gums. According to the NHS, it is crucial to brush “the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth”.
Brushing all the surfaces of your teeth should take around 2 minutes. The oral health foundation recommend flossing as this will help to ensure “you remove all of the plaque from your teeth every day”.
Some other top tips from the NHS to help keep your breath smelling fresh include:
- Cleaning your teeth before brushing them
- Using mouthwash after lunch/dinner
- Do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash
How to take care of your teeth
A bright smile and fresh breath can help you feel confident and at ease with others. So besides doing the basics, how else can you prevent bad breath and keep your smile healthy? Here are some top ttips:
- Focus on limiting how longsugar stays on your teeth.
- Avoid carbonated drinks including sugar-free sodas – all carbonated drinks are high in acid and that destroys tooth enamel. So, drink water instead.
- Avoid smoking, which can stain your teeth and also increase the risk of gum disease.
- Munch on snacks that are high in fiber and water like carrots and celery. Eating high-fiber vegetables and fruits gets more saliva flowing and that helps clean teeth.
- Switch to chewing sugar-free chewing gum to help increase the flow of saliva in your mouth and reduce the potential damage that sugar does to your teeth.
- Keep your smile healthy by brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush for two to three minutes. Using a hard brush can actually wear down the surface of your teeth and gums.
- Pay special attention to your brushing habits when you eat or drink something acidic. Brushing right after can actually push the acid deeper into the enamel on your teeth. So, your mouth will love you more if you rinse it with water and then brush your teeth 30 minutes to an hour later.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
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Now you know how to keep your mouth healthy, find out more tips on how to improve your sight and prevent eye health risks in our blog.
