Your teeth aren’t just for flashing a beautiful smile, they are a major indicator of your overall health. Take proper care of them, and they should endure for most of your lifetime, if not all of it. While regular visits to your dental professional and twice daily brushing are always advised, there are many ways to maintain oral health that deserve your consideration.
Eat Smart Foods
Certain foods can help clean your teeth, due to their texture and firmness. Apples, for example, are a great snack for curbing hunger while spiffing up your pearly whites. Celery and raw carrots make for cleaner teeth too, so add them to the end of your meal for maximum effectiveness. Of course, it’s best to avoid sugary foods, particularly the ones that stay behind long after you’ve finished them, like hard candy or caramel. Keep a travel kit with you for those times when you enjoy a meal, but aren’t able to brush immediately.
Floss Every Day
While most people recognize the value of an efficient brushing, not everyone flosses as much as they should. However, studies indicate that your overall health improves with this habit, for a number of reasons. Food left between teeth doesn’t just cause dental issues, it can harm you in other ways as well. Try flossing without a mirror if you can, to become more proficient at doing it anywhere, even when you are unable to watch yourself.
Use Natural Oral Health Aids
Brushing with baking soda multiple times a week will help to reduce stains, and doing so is also good for your gums. Gargling with apple cider vinegar every day not only freshens your breath and powers away discoloration, it helps to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria as well. While over the counter and professional products may come highly recommended, taking an occasional break from all those chemicals is good for you. Not to mention the fact that you are free to use the natural remedies much more frequently, and for a lot less money.
Your teeth serve many functions and were designed to last for a very long time. If you take good care of them, they should serve you well. Use these tips and other tricks of the trade that will keep your pearly whites in great shape and be an indicator of the good health that you are in.
For more information about how to maintain the health of your teeth and gums schedule a free consultation with our office by calling (516) 348-8500.
