By the time we are ten years old, we all know that we should brush our teeth every single day, that sweets are bad for us – and that we should be flossing.
But for many of us, we don’t really give much ongoing thought to the health and wellbeing of our teeth. Many of our ‘teeth care’ habits and rituals are formed in childhood. Since then, times have changed. Advances in dental care research and knowledge mean it is time to refresh our dental regime.
In Brazil, a country known for its beautiful lands and people, it is not uncommon for people to brush their teeth up to three times a day! Why?
Bacterial plaque causes tooth decay. We brush our teeth to ensure that any food particles and plaque build-up are removed regularly. Hence, it makes sense that we should brush our teeth after eating – and not just before bed. Not keen on carrying a toothbrush in your back pocket for the rest of your life? Choose the middle ground. Brush (and floss) your teeth before sleep and also after breakfast. When increasing the frequency of your brushing, be careful not to over brush – this can lead to erosion of enamel and gum tissue – the opposite of what you want!
2. Replace your toothbrush regularly
If the bristles of your toothbrush look like trees flattened in a cyclone, then you are well overdue for a new toothbrush. Most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months. Choose a soft-bristled brush or head if you decide to use an electric toothbrush.
3. Floss every day
Most tooth decay occurs in places where it is hard to reach and remove food particles and plaque. Whilst your toothbrush does a good job of surface-level particles, you must floss daily to ensure that you are cleaning between the teeth.
Ideally, it would be best to floss before brushing your teeth, at least twice a day.
4. Improve your diet
Less sugar
Our diets have a significant impact on the health of our teeth. Sugary foods and drinks are some of the worst offenders, so do your best to reduce the amount of sugar (especially refined sugar) in your diet.
Eat a balanced diet
It’s not just what you exclude that makes a difference. Ensuring that you have a healthy, balanced diet leads to overall health, and that extends to your teeth too. Ensure that you are consuming enough calcium by consuming a range of dairy products, as well as abundant vegetables and nutrient-dense foods.
Drink more water
We all know we should drink more water. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but drinking water washes away food particles and bacteria. Regularly drinking water keeps your mouth aerated and reduces the incidence of dry mouth. In Australia, tap water contains fluoride, which also helps strengthen your teeth, so don’t buy plastic bottled water; get the free stuff instead!
5. Visit your dentist!
The best way to ensure that you are on top of your dental game is to visit the dentist regularly. You should never go more than six months without a checkup and clean. If there is anything you are ever concerned about in the meantime – you should call your dentist straight away. Your dentist keeps a detailed record of your oral health, so they can often preempt issues before they arise and guide you to the best regime for your dental health – catching a small niggle early can avoid lengthy procedures later on down the line.
