In the olden days, people used
to brush their teeth by chewing the tree twigs. This chewing process not only
cleaned the teeth but also maintained oral hygiene due to the medicinal
properties the twigs contained, especially of the neem. Later on, people
started using charcoal powder, clove oil, mint, long pepper, camphor, salt,
etc., due to their medicinal benefits in overall oral care. We are now in
an age where we have exposure to various tools for taking care of our oral
health.
As we depend on our teeth daily for eating, it
becomes important for us to take proper dental care to enable our teeth to
function to the highest and longest potential. Unfortunately, dental care is
one of the neglected aspects of our day-to-day activities today.
The following are some of the easy and smart
ways of taking care of the teeth, following which we can not only prevent any
future dental problems but also save our money from the expensive treatment
procedures, which involve quite a lot of money. Let’s
get into the subject right away.
1. Brushing the teeth at bedtime
Brushing the teeth at least twice a day is
advised. Our mouth works hard
throughout the day while eating, drinking, and talking. Brushing our teeth
before going to sleep helps remove the unwanted buildup left behind, creating a
cleaner and healthier environment for the teeth and gums overnight.
Brushing at night prevents
plaque buildup, prevents gum diseases, and prevents the growth of bacteria in
the mouth.
2. Using mouthwash
While brushing and flossing remain the
foundation of good dental care, mouthwash can serve as a helpful finishing
touch. It helps freshen the mouth, supports gum health, and enhances your daily
efforts to maintain a healthy smile.
Some whitening
mouthwashes may help reduce surface stains, although their effect is generally
limited compared with professional whitening treatments. Most
mouthwash preparations contain antiseptic and anti-plaque ingredients to fight
gum diseases. Sodium fluoride in mouthwash prevents cavities and fights
tooth decay. Mouthwash being a liquid, it flows easily between the teeth and
this helps thorough flushing.
3. Drink water
Every sip of water gives the mouth a fresh start. By helping to rinse away
lingering food remnants and supporting the mouth's natural cleansing process,
water plays an important role in keeping teeth and gums in good condition.
Food, beverages, and acids from
plaque can adversely affect tooth enamel. Water may dilute the
acids and could help in protecting the teeth.
Drinking water can help wash
away the residual particles that can cause stains. It may reduce the bacteria
that can cause bad breath and can protect the tooth enamel. Drinking fluoridated water may help strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. Drinking water also can prevent dry mouth.
4. Toothpaste with fluoride
Toothpaste with fluoride acts as a valuable ally in daily dental care by helping the
outer surface of the teeth stay resilient against everyday wear and acid
attacks. It also supports the natural repair process of weakened enamel, making
teeth better equipped to resist decay over time.
Fluorapatite is a mineral that
the tooth enamel creates when fluoride is present. Thus toothpaste with fluoride
provides a good defense system against tooth decay.
5. Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables act as
natural tooth-cleaning foods because they encourage saliva production and help
remove food debris during chewing. They also are abundant in fiber
content.
Oral-friendly fruits and
vegetables include apples, pears, melons, celery, carrots, green leafy
vegetables, etc. Cheese increases the pH level of the mouth and thus
helps in reducing the risk of tooth decay. Cheese contains calcium and
protein abundantly that help in strengthening tooth enamel. Tea (both green and
black) contains polyphenols that help remove toxic material from the mouth that
could cause gum disease and cavities.
Chewing firm fruits
such as apples and pears may stimulate saliva production and support oral
cleanliness.
6. Proper usage of toothbrush
Being a little attentive while brushing our
teeth helps in completing all the required gentle motions like circular,
vertical, and horizontal motions, to bring out the food particles and clean the
plaques if any from the deep corners of the dental structures. If not
cleaned, plaques can harden up leading to a buildup of calculus and could even
cause gingivitis.
Gentle brushing along the gumline may help
stimulate blood circulation and support healthy gums. Healthy gums are generally
more resilient and easier to keep clean, which supports overall oral health. Gentle gum massage may promote healthy blood circulation
within the gum tissue, supporting overall gum health and helping maintain
stronger, healthier gums.
7. Tongue Care:
When the tongue is not cleaned regularly,
tiny food particles and naturally occurring microorganisms can settle on its
surface, creating an unpleasant odor and affecting overall oral freshness and,
in some cases, contributing to oral health concerns. Keeping the tongue clean
is a simple step that supports better dental hygiene and a healthier mouth.
Regular tongue cleaning
can also help improve the sense of taste by removing the coating that may
accumulate on the tongue over time. Making tongue care a part of a daily oral
hygiene routine takes only a few seconds but can contribute significantly to
maintaining a cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable mouth.
8. Importance of flossing
A thin layer of unwanted buildup known as
plaque can gradually form on the surface of the teeth throughout the day. When
this buildup is allowed to remain for long periods, it can become more stubborn,
and solidify into deposits that are much harder to remove through regular
brushing alone. This could contribute to
gum disease, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss if left
unmanaged.
Removal of the plaque is
advised right from its initial stages to avoid future ill effects. Though
brushing helps in its removal, it may not get removed completely. This is where
the role of flossing comes. Flossing and brushing together help in the complete
removal of plaque and other hidden particles.
Flossing should be done
daily. Some people may find flossing difficult. They may consider
flossing tools and ready-to-use dental flossers that are available on the market.
9. Avoid acidic and sugary foods
The more often teeth come into contact with
sugary foods and drinks, the harder it becomes for them to maintain their
natural protective barrier. Over time, this can affect tooth strength and
increase the risk of future dental issues.
Most carbonated soft drinks including
diet soda are acidic and are not considered good for the teeth. The most
common foods that could damage the teeth include candies, (chewing) ice, citrus
beverages, excessive use of coffee and tea with sugar, sticky foods, crunchy
foods like potato chips, carbonated sugary drinks, and alcoholic drinks, etc.,
with excessive use. However, the use of such products in moderation is advised.
10. Dentist visits twice a year
Many oral health concerns develop gradually
and may not show obvious warning signs until they become more serious. While
daily habits such as brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining
healthy teeth and gums, they cannot always reveal problems that may be
developing beneath the surface.
Scheduling regular
dental checkups, ideally every six months, allows a dental professional to
assess oral health thoroughly, identify concerns such as plaque or tartar
buildup, cavities, and other emerging issues, and recommend appropriate care
when needed. Early attention to dental problems can often lead to simpler, more
effective, and less costly treatment, helping to maintain a healthy and
confident smile for years to come.
Conclusion:
These simple ways can help in providing good
care for our oral health, especially when the expenditure for dental procedures
and treatments is skyrocketing.
We can as such walk an extra mile and take
good care of our teeth and overall oral care as prevention is always better
than cure.
