Healthy Teeth

Having healthy teeth and gums plays an essential role in your overall health. Consequently, it is important to do whatever you can to ensure they remain in great condition. Everyone knows that brushing and flossing are the foundations of a healthy oral hygiene routine. They are not, however, the only ways to maintain a bright, healthy smile.
10 Natural Ways to Keep Teeth Strong:

• Eat smart. At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods — including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products — will provide all the nutrients you need. Some researchers believe that omega-3 fats, the kind found in fish, may also reduce inflammation, thereby lowering risk of gum disease, says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the University Of Manitoba Faculty Of Dentistry.

• Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, consider quitting. 

• Seal off trouble. Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.


• Brush twice in a day with fluoride. It’s also a good idea to brush with a fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride works to decrease the risk of tooth decay by building an invisible layer of protection over your teeth. This protection makes your teeth more resistant to plaque buildup and the deteriorating effects sugar can have on them.

• Drinking milk is an excellent way to get your daily dose of calcium. Calcium not only gives you strong bones, but also strong teeth. More than 95 percent of the calcium in your body is found in your bones and teeth. If you're not big on milk, other excellent sources of calcium include cheese, yogurt, broccoli, and tofu.


• Wear a mouth guard. If you or your child regularly participates in sports that risk damage to the teeth like hockey or football, make sure to have a mouth guard handy to protect your pearly whites. If you’ve purchased your mouth guard from a shop, be sure to properly mound it to your teeth before wearing it for optimal protection.

• Chew gum after meals. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid.


• Tongue Brushing. Brush your tongue to help fight the bacteria in your mouth. Tongue brushing is not only essential for keeping your teeth healthy, it also helps to stop bad breath. Try using a toothbrush with a cheek and tongue cleaner, such as the Colgate 360, Sensodiyne, and Doctor Tooth paste so you can easily remove bacteria from your mouth every time you brush.

• Drink a lot of water. Water helps wash away food and bacteria left in and around the mouth. It also neutralizes acidity that can erode tooth enamel and weaken the teeth. Make it a habit to rinse your mouth or gargle with water every after meals so that you can get all of those leftover bits and pieces out of your mouth, and also speed up the remineralization process of the teeth.

• Use the right dental products. Using the right toothbrush and toothpaste can make a huge difference on your dental health. Don’t cut corners when shopping for oral care products because your teeth might be the one to suffer in the long run.