Our health is so important to every aspect of our lives, yet many people don’t prioritise their oral health. We should aim to keep our mouths as healthy as possible, both to help our overall health, as well as keeping our natural teeth for as long as we can. These things don’t take much time or money, but can make a huge difference in the future, so it will certainly be worthwhile. So, these are three really simple steps to make just that happen!
Go To Your Dentist
The first, and arguably most important, thing you need to do to keep your mouth and teeth healthier is to visit your dentist regularly, every 6 months as a minimum. You might think nothing is wrong if you haven’t had any symptoms or issues, however it’s so important you still go to see them. This is because there are so many oral health problems that can go unnoticed for a long time, and when they’re identified early, they’re so much easier (and cheaper) to treat. They can also advise on different treatments to improve your oral health, whether it’s Invisalign aligners for crooked teeth to prevent hard to reach areas or perhaps composite fillings for damaged teeth to stop the issues from developing further. Get your appointment booked in to see your dentist and hygienist and your future self will definitely thank you for it!
Eat Dairy
Another thing you can do to make your teeth and mouth healthier is to eat dairy products. Try to focus on eating cheese, yoghurt and milk, as these are foods that are high in protein and therefore casein, which can help to build the enamel of the teeth. This makes them more resistant to the natural, everyday wear that we endure through the foods and drinks we eat. If you choose dairy products with higher fat content, like cream or butter, they tend to contain less protein and casein, so aren’t beneficial. Alos make sure to check the sugar content in some dairy products like sweetened yoghurt, as they can be quite damaging to teeth when eaten too much.
Floss!
One step that many people miss out of their oral health routine but is really an important part is floss! Flossing is absolutely essential to remove any food or plaque debris from between the teeth, which if left, can not only cause tooth damage, but also unpleasant breath. It takes a minute to floss and remove any debris from the teeth, yet this is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health! Flossing in the evening is most effective, after you’ve consumed all of your food and drink for the day (with the exception of water), to make sure everything is completely clean before you go to sleep, as this is prime time for bacteria to develop when you’re not drinking water throughout the night. If you’ve had cosmetic dental treatments, just check with your dentist on the safest way for you to be flossing!