There is a saying, “heaven helps those who help themselves”. If you’ve always believed that “what would be would be”, then you are probably right. However, when it comes to the health of your mouth and teeth, you would have to reconsider. It is better you become your own tooth fairy and save yourself countless visits to the dentist.
Your teeth are also a very important part of your body, and it requires as much attention other parts of the body needs. Dental hygienists already advised that personal care of your teeth with simple dietary modification can prevent dental decay. This means the ball is in your court. What are these changes you can simply adopt that can make a big difference in the health of your teeth? Read on.
1. Watch your eating habits:
No matter what goal is, changing your eating routine by replacing it with healthier foods can cause a significant boost to your health. A change in a person’s diet can cause a reverse in tooth decay.
This was suggested by The British Medical Journal, and they further went to explain that sugar consumption, such as rice, can do more damage to our teeth while phytic acid can determine the absorption of calcium. Nevertheless, you may never have to have such problems once you change your eating habits.
Consume more foods rich in calcium. They serve as the main building component of your teeth and bones. Daily consumption of dairy foods is also advised. Unsweetened beverages should also be taken instead of soda, fizzy drinks and juices. Water is also a very healthy and natural option as it helps with the production of saliva. Unsweetened tea and smoothies would also do you a lot of good.
2. Sugarless gum:
Chewing sugarless gum can, ironically, prevent your teeth from decaying. Most sugarless gums are made of compounds known as xylitol. This is the natural sweetener that’s a key ingredient in making sugarless gums. It does not promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The added advantage is that when you chew this gum, the saliva in your mouth and the gum helps to wash of food residue in your mouth naturally.
3. Regularly change your toothbrush:
Some people go countless month still using one toothbrush. Same brush that’s used twice every day despite its brittle look, is used for more than six months. For your information, that’s a very wrong way to use a toothbrush. It is important that you change your brush regularly.
If you must pick a toothbrush, go for a smaller or medium sized brush, and ensure it’s bristle can touch the crevices of your molar where food particles find it easy to hide. Make sure the brush is free from liquid particles, so bacteria and microorganisms don’t grow in it. Also, keep your toothbrush away from your toilet, so faecal matter don’t travel on it.
4. Maintain a proper dental care routine:
Following a basic dental routine can keep your teeth in a very healthy state. Almost 42% of adults use a toothbrush just for oral purposes, according to the International Dental Health Association. If you’ve never paid attention to your dental health, then it’s high time you should start making some quick changes.
You can try to brush every corner of your teeth for at least two minutes every day and make sure you brush twice daily. Use your brush to reach the farthest areas your mouth, ensuring that you brush the surfaces of your teeth.
Brushing doesn’t completely guarantee healthy teeth if you don’t include flossing. You can use floss to remove hidden food residue in your teeth and stubborn germs as well. The use of mouthwash is also a very good way to get rid of antibacterial in the mouth. If you can, avoid using water to rinse your mouth after using any mouthwash to make the effect last longer.
5. Regular dentist visits:
Regular visits to your dentist aren’t the most comfortable procedure, but a it helps you detect and prevent serious teeth problems if any. Your dentist can easily detect if a tooth is decaying or if there is a problem developing in your mouth. This is something brushing, and flossing may not be able to prevent.
The dentist would help clean your gum and check for any form of infections. Plaques and tartar would also be removed to ensure a clean and healthy mouth. To win in the fight against cavities, you must have your teeth cleaned regularly. An appointment with the dentist once or twice every year would do you a lot of good.
6. Include vitamins and supplements to your diet:
It’s good that you’ve been able to stop eating or crunching sugar with your teeth. The icing on the cake would be when you include vitamins and supplements to your diet. This would provide your saliva secretion with all the necessary chemicals to fight bacteria.
You can consume foods rich in fibre such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables to increase salvation. Don’t forget you still have your bananas, apples, peas, and Brussels sprouts. Consume whole grain meals, vitamins B and iron should also be included. Don’t forget to add seafood to your diet also. Eat it as often as you can for a steady supply kg vitamin Diet. Tuna, salmon, herrings and sardines are great options of seafood rich in vitamin D.
7. Coconut oil:
Who doesn’t enjoy a good coconut? Apart from coconut is sweet and milky, coconut oil is especially perfect for your teeth. Coconut oil pulling can be used to protect your teeth against bacteria naturally and helps to prevent cavities.
However, it doesn’t reverse the effect of turn decay. Swish a tablespoon of the oil in your mouth for at least 15 minutes until the oil, and your saliva turns to a milky white colour. Whatever you do, do not swallow.
8. Produce your own re-mineralising toothpaste:
Are you in the mood for some experiment to keep your teeth healthy? You can make this simple pasta recipe with only a few ingredients can you can easily get in stores close to you. Some of the things you’d need includes; 4 teaspoons of calcium powder, a teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of Stevie, two teaspoons of baking soda and 1/4 cup of coconut oil.
Mix all these together till they turn to paste. Ensure there are no crumbs and brush your teeth with it. Watch the magic happen and remember not to have for more than four weeks in a row due to the absence of fluoride and its rough structure.
Do you do any of the above listed? How often do you visit the dentist? What other method do you use that isn’t listed? Share your experiences and ideas with us in the comments.
