How to Have Stronger and Healthier Teeth

We, sometimes, tend to blame our genes for the weakness of our teeth. Although genes may have a contribution to the strength and health of our teeth, we still have a major part to play in ensuring that our teeth are stronger and healthier. Rest assured that your teeth can be stronger and healthier regardless of those genes.

We need to know that healthy teeth are clean teeth that do not have any cavities, and healthy gums are pink and firm gums that do not bleed. We also need to know that strong teeth require healthy enamels, the shiny substance that covers our teeth, which is known to be even stronger than bones.

Here are some pointers on how to make your teeth stronger:

1.  Clean for healthy teeth!  

   Cleaning teeth is a process that involves more than one method. You can clean your teeth through brushing them, through flossing, through using mouthwash, and through visiting your dentist regularly.

   Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for a minimum of two minutes. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when it is already worn-out. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean.

   Floss at least once a day after brushing your teeth to remove any plaque between the teeth and on the gums.

   Use mouthwash, as an essential step to your dental routine along with brushing and flossing. You can also use mouthwash up to twice a day, preferably a while after brushing and flossing your teeth to ensure a clean mouth.

   Remember, if you wear dentures, keep those as clean as can be, too!
   
   

2.  Watch what you eat  

   What you eat contributes to how healthy and strong your teeth are. Here are some tips you can follow:

• Try to limit snacking on items that are high in sugar.

• Opt for healthy snacks rather than carbohydrates.

• Eat cheese as a snack, if needed, or add cheese to the meal as it triggers the flow of saliva to wash food particles within the teeth.

• Avoid foods that are sticky or chewy.

• Avoid sugary food that linger on teeth or try to buy those that are sugar-free or unsweetened.

• Stick to a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables as well as proteins and whole grains.

1.  Watch what you drink  
   Go easy on the sugary drinks, such as soda and juice. Instead, drink plenty of water to ensure healthy teeth and strong enamels. You can also drink water that is fluoridated given that fluoride is a natural cavity fighter.

2.  Cut down on those cigarettes 
   Smoking weakens your immune system, making it even harder to fight off any gum infection. If you are a smoker, you need to know the following facts, as cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• For a smoker, you have twice the risk to develop gum disease as opposed to a non-smoker.

• The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater the risk for gum disease.

• Treatments to gum diseases might not be as effective when you are a smoker.

  Essentially, tobacco, in any of its forms, heightens your risk of developing gum diseases.

1.  Avoid over brushing 
   Over-brushing wears down your enamels. Do not brush too fast or too hard. Use a soft bristle brush, place it at 45 degrees and gently stroke back and forth. The distance of your strokes should be around one tooth long.

2.  Use fluoride mouthwash 
   Fluoride is a cavity fighter. It strengthens your teeth and enamels. Moreover, fluoride is actually resistant to acids. As a result, it helps in repairing tooth decay. A fluoride mouthwash not only cleans the bacteria from your mouth, but it also aids remineralization, giving you healthier teeth.

3.  Avoid grinding your teeth 
   Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamels, too! If you have a grinding habit, it would be best to pay your dentist a visit. The doctor can provide you with a custom-fitted mouth guard.

   Finally, oral health cannot be compromised as it is an essential component to your overall health. Make sure you follow the tips provided here and maintain your twice-a-year visits to your oral health practitioner. Precaution and prevention is key to healthier and stronger teeth!

 References: 

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190430091838.htm

2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001957.htm

3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fun-teeth-facts-part-2

4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10963-nutrition-and-your-childs-dental-health

5. https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/the-best-foods-for-a-healthy-smile-and-whole-body/

6. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html

7. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse