10 Secrets to Healthy Teeth You Should Follow

Our teeth do a lot for us. They allow us to eat, chew, and smile. Without healthy teeth, life can be difficult. That’s why it’s so vital to develop healthy habits and protect your teeth from harm—at any age.

Here are 10 healthy teeth habits to follow every day. Some of them might surprise you!

1. Brush and Floss Every Day

Most of us already know this, but it always bears repeating: Brushing twice a day and flossing 1-2 times a day is the best way to promote healthy teeth long-term. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can help protect your teeth from decay, gum disease, and a lot more.

Also, a lot of people aren’t brushing with the best technique. You should:

• Keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• Instead of brushing straight back and forth, move the bristles over your teeth in short, circular strokes.
• Make sure you get the inner, outer, and flat surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush for at least two minutes, two times a day.

2. Use the Right Toothbrush

Some toothbrushes are too harsh and can tear up your gums over time, while others aren’t firm enough to properly remove plaque.

To ensure you choose a toothbrush with the right firmness, look for one with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on it and that feels comfortable in your hand.

3. Change Your Toothbrush Often Enough

Toothbrushes can get worn out and be less effective over time. Don’t use a brush for more than three months, and plan to change it 3-4 times a year.

If you have arthritis or another issue that makes holding a regular toothbrush difficult, electric toothbrushes can work well. And those with braces may need a special type of toothbrush, so talk to your dentist or orthodontist if you aren’t sure.

4. Rinse Your Mouth or Chew Gum After Eating

After you’ve eaten during the day, rinse with mouthwash or chew sugar-free gum to help naturally wash away bacteria.

As an added, bonus, some natural sugar-free gums, such as Xylichew or Spry, contain the healthy sweetener xylitol that has its own oral benefits.

Related: Top 8 Healthy Sugar Substitutes for Baking, Coffee, Gum, and More

5. Limit Your Sugary Foods

When you eat foods with simple sugars, the bacteria in your mouth breaks them down and creates acids. These acids can erode tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of tooth decay. The main problem is when sugar lingers on the teeth for long periods of time, such as when you slowly sip a sugary soda or fruit drink.

To protect your teeth, choose whole foods over sodas and candies. And when you do have these foods, always brush (or at least rinse) your teeth afterwards. Chewing gum can also help, as it increases saliva in your mouth to rinse away the sugar.

6. Eat a Healthy Teeth Diet

A healthy, balanced whole foods-based diet is important for many reasons, but it’s also good for your teeth!

Focus on a good balance of vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products. And don’t forget about omega 3 foods! They can can help fight inflammation, which may lower the risk of gum disease.

There is also some evidence insulin resistance and obesity—which may be combated by healthy eating—could be linked to periodontal disease [1,2,3].

7. Stay Away from Tobacco

Smoking and using smokeless tobacco both stain teeth and increase the risk of oral cancer and gum disease. For the sake of healthy teeth (and your whole body), it’s best to avoid these habits completely.

If you chew tobacco or smoke, consider quitting.

8. Don’t Use Other Drugs

Other drugs like methamphetamine can destroy your teeth. They can lead to teeth grinding and bleeding gums as well as dry mouth, which can quickly increase plaque. Keep yourself healthy by staying away from illegal drugs and other substances.

Even some prescription drugs like antibiotics can promote teeth discoloration, so talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.

9. Don’t Chomp on Ice

Chewing ice might seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually lead to broken teeth and injured gums. Instead, let the ice melt in your mouth as a refreshment instead of crushing it with your teeth. If you miss the crunch, have some apple slices or baby carrots.

And if you have a lot of trouble quitting the ice chewing habit, you might talk to your doctor as this can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.

10. Get Regular Dental Cleanings

Every six months is typically recommended for dental checkups.

Even if your teeth appear completely healthy, regular dentist appointments allow your dentist to remove built up plaque that brushing and flossing can miss. Plus, your doctor can examine your teeth for any decay, disease, or other issues like teeth grinding. Better safe than sorry!

Additional Healthy Teeth Tips for Kids

If you have children in your home, stress to them the importance of keeping healthy teeth. Cavities in children between the ages of 12 and 15 are extremely common. Help them develop healthy habits for brushing and flossing. They’ll be glad to take those habits into adulthood, too.

If your kids participate in sports or other activities that can potentially pose a threat to their teeth, make sure they’re wearing a mouth guard and taking other precautions.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Nature’s Ideal

Most tooth decay and a lot of gum disease can be prevented with healthy teeth hygiene and practices. At Nature’s Ideal, we carry many teeth-related tools like toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwashes, sugar-free chewing gum, and more to keep your chompers happy. Shop Oral Care with us today to stock up on the best healthy teeth items for your home.

SEO keyword: Healthy teeth