Dental care tips
The most important reason you should take good care of your teeth is because oral hygiene is very important for your overall health. These tips will keep your teeth strong and your smile dazzling!
The toothbrush you use is important. It should be slightly angled at the top, so that it can reach the teeth at the back of your mouth easily. The brush itself should be of medium hardness, so as to prevent damage to the gum, in case the bristles come in contact with it.
Experiment with different toothpastes and stick to the one you are most comfortable with. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold food and drink, select toothpaste specially formulated for this condition. These toothpastes cost more, but bring great relief.
Use toothpicks to remove any food stuck in your teeth and if possible rinse your mouth afterwards.
Use dental floss (a soft thread especially designed to remove food and plaque between your teeth), at least twice a day. Rinse your mouth with drinking water and spit out any dislodged substances
Take time to brush the front and
back of your teeth and the tops of your molars, after you eat, at least twice a day.
When brushing your teeth, use previously boiled, cooled water and not tap water as this may be contaminated.
Do not forget to brush your tongue as well.
It is best to avoid sugary foods and drinks as these lead to tooth decay. If you do take sweet things however, it is best to brush your teeth immediately after.
Get regular calcium and Vitamin D for strong, healthy teeth. You can get calcium from dairy products, collard greens (sukuma-wiki), spinach and nuts. Your body, however, needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium so make sure you are getting a good amount of sunlight every day.
Drink at least two litres of water every day for your overall health and to encourage the production of saliva, which is important for healthy teeth. You do not have to drink all the water in one go, you can drink slightly over six and a half 300ml mugs throughout the day.
Buy a new toothbrush every three months or earlier if the bristles are frayed.
Go for a dental checkup once every six month, or whenever you have cavities or your teeth hurt. The earlier you do this the better, so that you can save your teeth.
