How Can I Improve the Quality of My Teeth?
We all want to smile confidently, and healthy teeth are a huge part of that. But dental health isn’t just about looks. Strong teeth help us enjoy our food, appreciate different textures, and avoid the pain of cavities.
Follow these 14 easy tips for strengthening your teeth and preventing cavities.
14 tips for improving dental health
- Brush your teeth twice a day, making sure to get all surfaces.
- Floss every day to remove residual food and dental plaque.
- Use fluoride toothpaste (people over age 3 should use toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1,350-1,500 ppm; children under age 3 should use toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1,000 ppm)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months.
- Regularly visit your dentist at least once a year, and make an appointment if you see plaque buildup.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Avoid carbonated drinks because they weaken your tooth enamel.
- Gargle every time you eat something.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
- Don’t snack or drink anything acidic after brushing your teeth at night.
- If you have toothache, sensitivity, or dry mouth, consult your dentist.
- Consider a sealant treatment for pits and fissures to prevent the development of cavities in the future.
Why is dental health important?
Dental health not only is important for overall oral health (including the health of your gums and tongue) but also affects the rest of your body.
Your mouth serves as the entry point of various germs that can travel to other parts of your body. Oral health has been linked to various health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, endocarditis (inflammation of the innermost lining of the heart), and lung infections such as pneumonia. Poor oral health during pregnancy can also increase the risk of having a low-birth-weight baby or premature baby.
Moreover, your general health can influence your oral health. For example, uncontrolled diabetes or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can lower your immunity and increase the risk of oral infections including gum diseases. Treating gum diseases may also help lower your blood sugar levels.
What dietary changes can help strengthen your teeth?
Diet
Eating a balanced diet can help you keep your teeth healthy. Foods to include in your diet include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Lean sources of protein such as peas, beans, lean beef, fish, and poultry without skin
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy
Water
It’s also important to drink plenty of water to neutralize acids in the mouth that can lead to tooth decay. If you are a parent, limit your kid’s fruit juice intake to:
- 4 ounces for 1- to 3-year-old kids
- 4-6 ounces for 4- to 6-year-old kids
- 8 ounces a day for 7- to 18-year-old children
Snacks
Avoid frequent snacking, since it can cause acid to build up in your mouth throughout the day. When you eat a full meal, plenty of saliva is created in your mouth, minimizing the effects of acids that can cause dental problems such as cavities.