Keeping Teeth Healthy Without Visiting the Dentist

Do you know that it is your primary responsibility, rather than your dentist's, to keep your teeth healthy? The dentist and the patient make up a dental health team that should work in collaboration to prevent dental problems. In this team, the patient has more to do in ensuring that he/she maintains clean and healthy teeth, gums, and mouth.

As many individuals and families find themselves without dental insurance, it is important to learn how to maintain proper dental care. The points below highlight several simple ways through which you can maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental caries, cavities, gingivitis, tartar, periodontitis, and other dental problems.

Brush and floss daily

Brushing and flossing the teeth are the standard ways of cleaning the teeth, gums, and mouth. For good oral hygiene, you should brush in the morning and at night before going to bed, but a dutiful brusher can clean the teeth after every meal, or three times a day. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended for cleaning the teeth, gums, and tongue. The brush should be angled at the gum line and moved in a circular motion to ensure all the tooth gum surfaces are cleaned. Dental flossing is as important as brushing, and it should be done daily. Investing in a mouthwash is also a good way to keep the teeth clean.

Maintain the right diet

Diet significantly impacts dental health. Candy and sugary foods, including chewing gum and soft drinks, are not good for the teeth. The bacteria which cause dental problems survive on the sugary particles of food left on the teeth and gums. Sugar is converted into acid in the mouth, and it can erode the enamel. Acidic foods and beverages should also be limited to protect the teeth. Sodas and soft drinks should be taken with meals. The best beverage for oral health, and overall body health, is water. After every meal, one should drink enough amount of water. This helps wash and rinse the teeth and mouth of the sticky, sugary, and acidic foods consumed between brushes.

Use teeth properly

The teeth are meant for biting and chewing food. They are not supposed to be used for opening beer or soda bottles, biting off tags, closing metal objects, or expressing anger through clenching. Using the teeth for the wrong purpose can damage or weaken them.

The above tips can help you maintain good overall dental health, but whenever you can, visit a dentist for a check-up. At minimum, one should see a dentist at least twice annually. 

Share