5 Surprising Ways to Care for Your Teeth
Being healthy and feeling good means your entire body is in good shape including your mouth. There are many easy things you can do to have a better smile. In our book a better smile isn’t about the vanity of looking good, although that is an added bonus, for us a beautiful smile means shining bright from the inside out. Here are our favorite surprising ways to care for your teeth.
Avoid Discomfort By Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Many patients don’t realize that they have different teeth types. Some patients have sensitive teeth and don’t even realize it. This is common in people especially ages 25-30. Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth — the dentin — becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue. Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, sometimes even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. Although there are many factors that contribute to sensitive teeth it is important to recognize that good oral hygiene can help prevent this pain. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
Use a Dry Brush
Use a dry bristle brush for the first two minutes of cleaning your mouth. Many people don’t realize that the toothpaste isn’t what actually “cleans” your teeth. It is the mechanical action of the bristles in physical contact with the tooth surface. This is what actually removes the plaque. You can do a magnificent job brushing your teeth using a dry brush and rinsing with water. The toothpaste is beneficial because of the fluoride. Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride in it that is the best fight against cavities and plaque build up.
Brush Your Gums
Spend time moving the bristles at and below the gum line, where it is most important to clean. This is where food particles build up. Many people don’t brush carefully enough, but the more attention you pay to this area the happier your teeth will be.
Use A Straw
Use a straw when you drink beverages, especially coffee or dark colored substances. It might feel awkward at first to drink coffee or red wine through a straw, but doing so can help minimize direct contact between your pretty teeth and these staining liquids.
Drink Lots of Water
Drink plenty of water. It’s a “natural” mouthwash that can help reduce stains left by coffee, soda and red wine.