Keeping your teeth healthy and white may not be rocket science, but it does take some commitment and mindfulness. By incorporating some best practices into your teeth hygiene routine and employing the following tips, you can support good mouth health and enhance your smile.
Replace Your Toothbrush
It's a good idea to get into the habit of replacing your toothbrush each month. If you have an electric toothbrush, you'll need to replace the head. Your toothbrush can harbor bacteria. Over time, you're simply replacing the bacteria in your mouth with the bacteria from your old toothbrush. To protect the health of your teeth, be sure to make this change.
Eat Foods that Naturally Clean Your Teeth
Some foods are natural scrubbers; "foods that are firm or crisp help clean teeth as they're eaten." (1) Make a point of eating more raw carrots and celery that are excellent "detergent" foods for your teeth. Plain popcorn is also a great natural tooth cleaner. Also, when eating desserts loaded with sugar, drink some cranberry juice along with them. Molecules within the cranberries help prevent acid and bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
Floss
Flossing once a day isn't typically enough to safeguard the health of your teeth. Once you become a practiced flosser, you'll likely feel like flossing after every meal. Flossing is a great way to remove small debris between your teeth that your toothbrush can miss.
Strawberries and Baking Soda
A tried and true natural remedy for whiter teeth includes a mixture of crushed strawberries and baking soda. Blend a couple mashed strawberries with a bit of baking soda and use it to brush your teeth. Leave the mixture on for about 3 minutes, rinse, and then brush your teeth with toothpaste. You'll notice a white and brighter smile! Be sure not to overdo this treatment though--every other week is fine. Otherwise, the acid in the fruit could harm your tooth enamel.
Sugar-Free Gum
Many dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum. The gum stimulates the production of saliva, which slows bacteria production and naturally cleans your mouth. Chewing the gum may also help you ward off sugary cravings that are decidedly not good for your teeth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargling with apple cider vinegar is a great way to whiten stains that may be due to coffee or smoking. Not only can apple cider vinegar help whiten your teeth naturally, it can help cut down bacteria in your mouth too!
Visit Your Dentist for Routine Check-ups
When you choose a dentist "committed to providing the highest quality of care," (2) you'll ensure that your teeth remain as healthy as possible. Moreover, regular cleanings mean that your teeth will be as bright and white as they can be. When you visit your dentist often, you can usually head off small problems before they become large ones.
Follow these tips and you'll enhance the health and beauty of your teeth. For more tips that apply to your particular smile, consult with your dentist.
Sources
1. Reader's Digest, "10 Tips for Healthy, White Teeth," http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-tips-for-healthy-whiter-teeth/#slideshow=slide4
2. Bryan G. Foote, http://www.drfootedental.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment