One has to be proactive about taking care of their teeth and gums. To do so, developing the right everyday habits is extremely important. In the opinion of Dr. Kami Hoss, no matter whether one is trying to improve their oral health, prevent dental problems before they happen or fight back against gum disease, they must take a few steps to keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Dr. Kami Hoss highlights a few tips to take better care of teeth and gums
Having healthy gums is almost as important for oral hygiene as having healthy teeth. While the majority of people tend to be conscious about teeth brushing, many forget about their gums. However, for overall oral health, one has to take care of both their teeth and gums. To do so, simply brushing and flossing the teeth every day is not enough. One must pay heed to the following pointers:
- Improve the quality of toothpaste and mouthwash: One of the very first things one must do is improve the toothpaste and mouthwash they use. Options with fluoride would be a good choice. However, if possible, one should consult their dentist to find the best products that would suit the specific condition of their teeth and gums.
- Drink plenty of water: Water is important for every aspect of one’s health and well-being. It is good for one’s hair, skin, digestion, organ health, and even for the health of the teeth and gums. Drinking good amount of water encourages healthy saliva production, and lowers the risk of a receding gumline.
- Healthy nutrition for teeth: There are several food items that provide the nutrients necessary to keep the gums healthy and the teeth strong. Calcium, for instance, matters a lot, but so does a balance of minerals and vitamins. The more one includes Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Omegas in their diet, the better shall their body is equipped to maintain oral health. One should ideally consume more dairy, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, whole grains, nuts, leafy greens and broccoli for their overall good health.
- Reduce sugary and acidic foods: Sugar and acid can eat away enamel. Moreover, sugar that remains on the teeth would be food for plaque. This is why things like soda and coffee are not good for teeth, in addition to the staining qualities of dark liquids. Eating sweets or even acidic fruits without brushing afterwards can damage the teeth.
- Enjoy crunchy fruits and vegetables: While acidic fruits can damage the teeth, crunchy ones are actually good for them. In fact, crunchy fruits and vegetables can scrub the teeth and act as nature’s toothbrushes. Crunchy food items also promote healthy saliva production, which is the natural hydration, cleansing, and immune system of the mouth. Hence, crunchy fruits and vegetables would be perfect snacks to enjoy during the day.
As per Dr. Kami Hoss, one must remember to rinse their mouth after eating and drinking. A swift swish with water after every coffee, snack, or sugary drink, can help keep the mouth hydrated and would also chase away many of the plaque-causing particles that food leaves behind.
