We know how to look after our health, and most of us have tried to get into better habits like making sure we eat our 5 a day, and regular exercise habits. But do you have the same good habits when it comes to your mouth health?
Getting a better smile is easier than you think, all it takes is some perseverance and willpower for establishing some new habits. From what you eat to how you take care of your teeth, here are 5 great habits to start today for better teeth.
- Daily flossing
Better teeth start with better gums, and one of the best things you can do for your gums is twice daily flossing. Flossing helps to remove food debris and plaque which brushing can miss, especially in the narrow spaces between teeth, so removing this reduces the risks of gum infections, inflammation and cavities. To get into good habits, make sure you leave enough time in the morning and before bed to start this daily ritual.
- Give up that fizzy drink
If you are guilty of reaching for a can of something fizzy at several points throughout the day, you might struggle to break this habit as fizzy drinks containing caffeine can be quite addictive. There’s also a large number of diet sodas which contain aspartame, which is very addictive and can be challenging to remove completely from your system.
If you can give up that fizzy drink however, you’ll be doing your whole body a favour but especially your teeth, which are attacked by acid and sugars with every gulp. Even sparkling water should be avoided as it contains carbonic acid, which is what makes all sodas fizzy.
Opt for some tooth friendly water or a cup of green tea instead if you need a caffeine boost. Try and break this habit by removing the temptation – stop buying it so that it’s not in the house, and don’t bring any loose change with you for the vending machine at work.
- Drink a glass of milk
Calcium is crucially important for strong bones and teeth, so drinking a glass of milk a day is a great way to ensure you get enough of this essential mineral.
You need calcium to help protect your teeth against gum disease, and to keep your jaw bone strong and healthy as a solid anchor for your teeth. Get into good habits by switching a glass of water at dinner with a glass of milk instead.
- Snacking between meals
Constant eating during the day might help you keep your energy levels up, but it can be problematic for your teeth as this constant eating means there is always leftover food for cavity-causing bacteria to avail of. This can lead to a higher risk of cavities, not to mention weight gain.
Try to form better eating habits by eating larger meals which keep you feeling fuller for longer reducing the urge to nibble, or keep a toothbrush at work so you can brush after eating and keep your teeth clean throughout the day.
- Brushing for 2 minutes
Have you actually timed yourself when it comes to brushing your teeth? If you think a bit of haphazard brushing before you rush out the door to work in the morning is good for your teeth, think again. Next time you brush your teeth, use your phone to time yourself so that you get a feel for just how long two minutes really is, and start setting yourself the challenge of brushing for two minutes twice a day.
Better teeth can be yours with these simple changes, but don’t forget if you have any questions about your teeth or your gum health, our expert dental team are here to help. Contact us anytime to make an appointment.
