Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your pearly whites in tip-top shape.
Making small, yet effective changes to your everyday lifestyle and the way you take care of your teeth can make a massive difference in the long run.
Prevent decaying or discoloured teeth, bad breath and gum disease by following these 10 easy dental hygiene pointers:
Use baking soda or salt to brush
Occasionally (once a week) brushing with baking soda or salt helps to keep your teeth bright and shiny.
It also helps to effectively ward off bacteria, keeping your teeth and gums safe.
Tip: Brush exactly as you would with toothpaste. Be sure not to swallow after you’re done brushing.
Don’t forget your tongue
Your tongue is filled with bacteria which could attack your teeth and gums.
When brushing your teeth, be sure to use your toothbrush’s bristles to brush your tongue.
Tip: Many toothbrushes have a rubber bristle at the back of the toothbrush’s head that can effectively scrub your tongue.
Visit your dentist regularly
If you think once every five years is regular, think again. Every person needs to visit their dentist at least once or twice a year to detect and fix any issues that could potentially create further problems.
GetSavvi Health dentistry benefit
Members of GetSavvi Health’s Primary Care Plan + and Primary Care Plan have access to basic and emergency dentistry benefits. Members wanting even more dentistry cover can add a top-up dentistry option to their existing plan for unlimited consultations.
Rather brush longer than harder
When it comes to brushing your teeth, a good rule of thumb is to rather brush longer than harder. If you brush too hard then you can damage the enamel layer of your teeth. Rather brush for longer, from two to four minutes to effectively remove all plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
Tip: Time yourself with your phone’s timer to ensure that you brush long enough.
Replace your toothbrush regularly
Replace your old toothbrush or electric toothbrush head with a new once every two or three months. After continued use your toothbrush’s bristles become soft and more ineffective at cleaning your teeth. Regularly replacing it allows for the best results.
Eat foods that naturally clean
Foods that are firm and crisp act as a natural detergent for your teeth. These foods include apples, popcorn and carrots. By eating more of these throughout the day, you’re cleaning your teeth without even knowing it.
Gargle with apple cider vinegar
Drinking apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, including aiding with digestion and lowering blood pressure. Now you can add cleaning teeth to that list too. Gargling with apple cider vinegar helps to whiten teeth, kill bacteria and remove unwanted stains.
Floss, floss and floss!
There’s really no reason not to floss. Flossing helps to keep your teeth and gums free from unwanted bacteria and nasties.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Foods and drinks that have a high level of acidity and sugar content eat away at your teeth’s protective layer, enamel. These include sweets, cooldrinks and fruit juices.
Tip: Always rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary foods or drinks to get rid of sugar in your mouth.
Brush twice daily
If you’re late on the ‘brush twice daily’ train then it’s time to get on board as soon as possible. Plaque and bacteria accumulate throughout the day and at night while you’re asleep. It only makes sense to brush once in the morning after bed and once at night before bed.
Sources:
Reader's Digest
Colgate
Essentials