The teeth are essential to our health and well-being, but they can also be one of the most fragile parts of our bodies. Cavities, broken or missing teeth, and gum disease all weaken teeth, which can later cause serious problems if they aren’t taken care of properly. The good news is that you can take many steps to strengthen your teeth so that they last a lifetime and remain healthy. Here are 7 Healthy Habits for Stronger Teeth for a lifetime from your Dentist in Wicker Park!
1. Brush & Floss
To keep your teeth strong, brush them daily and floss them regularly under the guidance of a dentist. This is one of the easiest and most important things you can do. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, according to your dentist in Wicker Park. The duo of brushing and flossing will help to eliminate dangerous bacteria and plaque not only from the surface of the teeth but also from the spaces in between the teeth. If the bacteria and plaque are allowed to build up on the teeth, they will produce an acidic by-product that will damage the teeth. It is known that the acid will wear down tooth enamel, leaving the teeth at a greater risk for decay and decay-causing bacteria.
2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
The tongue has a lot of tiny nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide, making it very easy for the bacteria to spread and cause cavities. You can do this by gently brushing your tongue whenever you brush your teeth, as this is the best way to do it. As a result, you can remove even more bacteria and will also be less likely to suffer from bad breath as a result.
3. Reduce Sugar & Carbs
We all know that dentists do not like sugar, but what does this have to do with carbohydrates? Well, the truth of the matter is, that carbs are broken down into glucose by our bodies, and they often act much like sugar in our bodies. Whenever you are trying to come up with smile-smart foods to eat or snacks in between meals, it is a good idea to limit your intake of sugary treats or foods that have high carbohydrate content. In addition, too much sugar or too many carbohydrates can feed plaque bacteria and increase acid production, which, again, increases the risk of teeth weakening.
4. Treat Grinding
Many people grind their teeth when they are under stress or when they are sleeping. It is most likely that they don’t even realize they are doing it most of the time. But grinding your teeth can cause a whole host of problems in your mouth, including wearing down of your enamel. To protect your teeth, talk with your dentist in Wicker Park about the best ways to stop grinding your teeth.
5. Don’t Ignore Reflux
Despite the fact that reflux, indigestion, and heartburn are digestive problems, they still have the potential to adversely affect your oral health. Because stomach acid can enter the mouth, which can damage the enamel, these conditions can adversely affect your oral health. For those of you who suffer from reflux or other digestive concerns, we recommend talking with your doctor about treatment options.
6. Stay Hydrated
Despite the fact that many Americans do not drink enough water, we should all do our best to drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to keep hydrated. Not only can being hydrated help you feel better overall, but it can also be beneficial for both your overall health and your oral health as well. Water helps wash away bacteria, kills bacteria, neutralizes acids, and helps keep bad breath at bay.
7. Schedule Bi-Annual Dental Visits
In addition to taking good care of your teeth through your oral hygiene routine, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water, you should also visit your Urban Smiles Dental at least twice a year. Getting your teeth cleaned by a dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing enamel from deterioration, and dental exams can catch issues before they cause more serious problems.
Despite the fact that you may have weakened enamel, you should not worry about it. It is possible to control erosion with the help of your dentist as well as speak with him/her about treatments as well as any additional measures that you can take at home for erosion prevention.