Tooth Health: What Works, What Doesn't

Caring for your teeth is essential, so you must know what works and what doesn’t work to have a healthy mouth. Use these tips to take proper care of your teeth on a daily basis.

DO wear a mouth guard

First, if you play contact sports or participate in martial arts, you need to protect your teeth from potential injury. Visit a dentist to order customized mouth guards that you can wear while playing sports or riding a bicycle. You can also get formable mouth guards from the drugstore, but these may be less effective or comfortable.

DON’T use store-bought whitening products

While shopping for toothpaste or mouthwash, you may notice products that are formulated for whitening your teeth. These products might remove a small amount of yellowing from the dental enamel on your teeth, but the mouthwashes and toothpastes won’t eliminate deep discolorations from smoking or drinking wine. If you want to have your teeth whitened effectively, then you should visit a dentist for a professional procedure.

DO eat tooth-healthy foods

You should eat a well-balanced daily diet that contains numerous vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, dairy products and whole grains, but if you have food allergies, then you can have problems ingesting enough nutrients to have healthy teeth. Supplements great for your teeth include calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics. Calcium helps to create stronger dental enamel, and your body needs additional vitamin D to help you absorb the calcium in supplements or foods. Probiotics are necessary so that you have a stronger immune system that can resist infections from the bacteria that cause gum disease. Supplements are also a great way to get the nutrition you need for healthy teeth.

DON’T get removable dentures

If you have several missing teeth, then it is difficult to chew food or talk. It is possible to wear removable dentures or permanent dental implants to replace your missing teeth. If you can have dentures made that fit comfortably and that remain in place, then these dental appliance are often a great choice. However, some individuals can’t adjust to wearing dentures, and they develop mouth sores from the constant slippage. Fortunately, you can have dental implants surgically inserted into your gums and alveolar bones to replace your missing teeth.

DO use an oral irrigator to prevent tooth decay and gum disease

In addition to flossing and brushing your teeth, you can use an oral irrigator to remove food particles and bacteria. An oral irrigator has a tank that you will fill with water, and by using the appliance’s wand you can blast away debris with a stream of pressurized water. Using an oral irrigator is especially important when you have gum pockets around your teeth or if your teeth are packed together. You can use an oral irrigator on a daily basis or once a week to have fresher breath and fewer cavities.

References

• https://www.123dentist.com/custom-vs-off-the-shelf-mouthguards/
• https://nano-b.com/blogs/news/the-30-best-food-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums
• http://westprairiedental.com/services/cosmetic-dentistry/