How to take good care of your teeth and mouth?

To have a bright smile with sparkling white teeth and fresh breath, dentists recommend that you regularly do the following.

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Floss first, then brush your teeth.

Floss first to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth; this will make brushing more effective. If flossing feels awkward, look for a floss clip, which are available at pharmacies. While brushing, make sure you hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line, then gently brush back and forth.

Replace your toothbrush.

Toothbrushes often become frayed, worn, and flattened after a period of use. To increase the effectiveness of dental care and maintain a radiant smile, you should replace your toothbrush every three or four months. For electric toothbrush heads, follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the lifespan. When you are sick, to avoid germs lurking on your toothbrush, replace it with a new one at the beginning of your illness and again after you have fully recovered.

Eating cheese helps whiten teeth.

The casein and liquid proteins in cheese can help keep tooth enamel in optimal condition by reducing demineralization. In addition, cheese contains calcium, which is essential for strong teeth. Don't forget to supplement your daily diet with vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium more effectively. Some foods rich in vitamin D include milk, egg yolks, and fish.

Remove tooth stains with baking soda.

If you enjoy coffee, red wine, or other foods and drinks that stain teeth, try brushing your teeth with baking soda (twice a month), then rinse thoroughly to help whiten them. If using raw baking soda irritates your teeth and gums, switch to a toothpaste containing baking soda or avoid using it altogether.

Foods that stain or whiten teeth

There is some evidence that strawberries contain substances with natural teeth-whitening properties. However, it's best to brush your teeth carefully after eating foods that stain teeth, such as blueberries, coffee, and tobacco. To help limit tooth discoloration, after brushing, you should chew on a piece of apple, pear, carrot, or celery. All of these foods will stimulate saliva production, helping to clean your teeth and keep them bright and shiny.

Treatment for acid reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux, you need to manage it to help maintain healthy tooth enamel and oral health. You should avoid foods and drinks that increase acid reflux, including chocolate, alcohol; caffeinated drinks such as soda, coffee, and tea; garlic and onions; dairy products, citrus juices; mint; spices; and fatty or fried foods.

Tongue care

To combat bad breath, in addition to brushing your teeth thoroughly, you should take some time to scrub or scrape your tongue. You should know that the tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause bad breath. Therefore, use a toothbrush to scrub your tongue or use a specialized tongue scraper daily. This helps remove odor-causing compounds from your mouth.

Certain medications can cause dry mouth.

Your mouth needs saliva to maintain healthy teeth and gums, but hundreds of medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and antihistamines, can dry out your saliva. Experts advise increasing your fluid intake to keep your mouth moist while taking medication. You should also consult your dentist about using artificial saliva products or chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production after meals.

According to Women Online - NT