8 tips for healthy eating - Eat well

 1.Consider a mouthwash

*Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year.

*Teenagers with braces may need to use special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools to brush their teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist.

*Older people with arthritis or other problems may have trouble holding a toothbrush or using floss. Some people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush. Others simply put a bicycle grip or foam tube over the handle of a regular toothbrush to make it easier to hold.

2. Floss Every Day

Flossing every day can help remove harmful plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and below the gum line that toothbrushes can’t reach. Flossing is one of the most effective ways of preventing gum disease.

Proper flossing technique includes:

• The floss should measure from your elbow to your wrist
• Wrap the floss around your longest finger on each hand
• Using your thumb and pointer finger to control the floss, wiggle the floss down around the edge of each tooth
• Wipe up and down each side of your tooth several times
• Be sure to get below the gum line, but don’t push too far down
• Remember to floss your back teeth

3. Rinse Carefully With Mouthwash 

Studies have shown that using mouthwash can help minimize gum disease, reduce tartar and plaque on the teeth, and help to prevent cavities. Mouthwash is best used along with flossing and brushing and should not be a replacement for either one.

4. Stop Smoking

Not only will it make your teeth look yellow, but smoking also increases your risk of gum disease by weakening your immune system, making your gums more susceptible to harmful plaque bacteria. Dentists recommend quitting smoking immediately to help maintain healthy gums and teeth.

5. Visit Your Dentist’s Office Regularly

Regular visits to your dental care experts are a vital part of maintaining healthy gums and healthy teeth. Your dentist can also tell you if you are at risk for gum disease due to past medical issues or family history.

You should visit your dentist at least every six months for cleanings and a check-up. These cleanings will help remove stubborn plaque and tarter that brushing and flossing can’t touch and can help identify any early signs of gum disease or other oral issues. If you have gum disease, crowded teeth, dental appliances or are a smoker, you should visit every three months to make sure your teeth are adequately cleaned.

6. Eat A Healthy Diet 

Diet is an integral part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  Foods that are healthy for the rest of your body are also good for your teeth and gums.

• Look for fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre, vitamins and calcium such as apples, broccoli, and leafy greens.
• Legumes and dairy products are also high in calcium and can help increase saliva production, which neutralizes harmful acid.
• Avoid foods that are high in sugar or sticky sweet foods that can stick to tooth enamel. The sugars in these foods feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth that creates tartar and plaque leading to tooth decay.
• Some drinks such as black and green teas are known to help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth.
• Limit carbonated sweet drinks and other acidic drinks as these can erode your tooth enamel.
• Avoid alcohol because it dries out your mouth and reduces saliva.
• Stick to sugar-free gum to help increase saliva production.

7. Avoid Eating Hard Foods

Don’t put hard items like pens inside your mouth. Chewing on them can damage and chip your teeth. Also, watch out for hard candies.

10. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is vital for your body, and one of the secrets of having healthy gums. Saliva is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping your bacteria in balance. When you are dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva. Drinking or rinsing your mouth with water after eating, however, can help clean your teeth and rinse away food particles and bacteria.

With these tips for healthy teeth and gums, you can help your smile last for a lifetime.