If you are looking for effective methods to keep your teeth healthy, then you are being more proactive than most people. The sad truth is the majority of people do not search for information about proper dental care. Some people even go years without professional dental treatment.
People who skip flossing, typically do so because they assume brushing teeth will be enough in and of itself. This is a popular misconception. Brushing will not clean out the food particles, bacteria and other bits of debris and plaque in the gaps between teeth as well as the sides of the molars in the back. Flossing gets to all of these tough spaces for a thorough and efficient clean.
Avoid foods that have acid. Acidity heightens the odds of tooth decay as well as cavity formation as it breaks apart tooth enamel. If this enamel completely wears away, bacteria will penetrate the surface of the tooth and infect the dentin. While people do not have to cut out every single acidic food, it is important to try to limit consumption of those that are particularly acidic.
Furthermore, key in on foods that provide the nutrition necessary for teeth to function and develop as they should. Consume a balanced diet with an abundance of leafy greens, colorful vegetables and dairy. The teeth need everything from calcium to vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium to stay healthy and functional.
Water rinses away all of the food and bacteria particles remaining in the mouth. Water also serves the important purpose of neutralizing acidity that erodes tooth enamel and ultimately weakens the teeth. People need to try to get into the habit of rinsing the mouth with mouthwash or gargling with water following meals. This habit will help eliminate all of those small bits of food still remaining in the mouth. Gargling water will also hasten the remineralization process.
People only get one set of permanent adult teeth and must not put them in jeopardy by trying to open items with their teeth, biting their nails, chewing ice, gnawing on pens or any other non-food item. Biting and chewing on such had items will abrade the enamel along the teeth, causing wear and extensive enamel loss.
Smoking will make the teeth appear yellow, while also causing bad breath, impact production of saliva and cause people to breathe out of the mouth instead of the nose. Breathing through the mouth and reduced saliva production will negatively affect the teeth. Furthermore, smoking is terrible for the rest of the body.
You read that right. Chewing gum can help keep your teeth healthy. However, any regular gum will not suffice. Gum with the sugar alcohol known as xylitol convinces bacteria into thinking it can eat it. Yet, bacteria do not break xylitol down. Rather, the bacteria starve to death and your teeth remain healthy.
If you have any questions or to schedule an appointment in our Long Beach office call us at (516) 301-9038.
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