7 Steps for Keeping Teeth Healthy For A Lifetime. 

We often think that a healthy mouth is enough to keep bad breath at bay, but what many don’t realize is that maintaining good oral hygiene, and more importantly, how often we visit the dentist or get dental implants every 3-4 years, is important for many reasons. Your body requires more water to function properly. When you have dental problems like bleeding gums from periodontitis or deep-rooted root canker, it can be harder for your body to maintain an adequate amount of water in the mouth as well as to clear bacteria away. As such, if you have a toothache, there are some things you should avoid doing to prevent potential gum recession and infection. Here are 7 tips that might help you to stay on top of your molars.

1) Brush and Floss

If possible, brush and floss regularly. In small ways. This will take time out of your busy schedule. But as soon as you can find yourself in the presence of these two natural processes, this also makes me feel better. The brushing and moving about of our cheeks (the space where your teeth reside) helps with removing plaque and tartar that builds up over time. This is when tartar begins to harden and is easier to scrape off and remove at least once yearly. Not only does this help to improve your teeth’s ability to retain water, but it can also give us a little bit longer shelf life – sometimes, even an extra year!

2) Drink Water

Drinking plenty of water helps you to flush away those unwanted toxins. It is also vital for proper overall hydration. So do not skip any fluids when you’re thirsty and if that doesn’t work, reach for some cool flavored sparkling water. You can drink plain water to quench your thirst or add lemon, mint slices and mint sticks to your diet for a fresher taste. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice and sugar-free or unsweetened teabags to your cup of coffee, soda or tea to make it your flavor. Or, you can substitute one scoop of fresh yogurt for a cup of regular milk. These are just a few options. Don't forget to drink lots of water throughout the day. There are plenty of easy tips and tricks, so see what works best for you.

3)Lemon Water 

Brush Twice Daily And Flossing Twice daily is especially very important if you have sensitive skin, which can often lead to sensitivity that gets to where it causes inflammation. If you have a dryer than normal or a condition like eczema, you should also floss twice daily. And both of these things will remove tangles and dirt buildup in the mouth without damaging the delicate tissues of the teeth. To floss and brush effectively and efficiently, use two pairs of dental brushes (I use the Percolator). Both of them should be kept separate. A soft bristle brush to start with and then switch to a cotton brush as you progress through. Make sure to put some gentle pressure on the bristles of each brush, and then apply in circular motions to the surface of your mouth. Do not try to brush and floss quickly because it will cause irritation and can also irritate your sensitive skin. That being said, as much as it isn't possible physically to move a tooth around, I do occasionally remind myself and my therapist to be patient. If you're still struggling with finding the right combination of strength and longevity, check out our blog below to find our favorite toothbrush combinations. Be careful who you talk to for advice regarding your purchase.

4) Clean Dentin

We often ignore the importance of a thorough cleaning of the dentin, and this is why it is almost always overlooked by people who have dental braces or dental veneers. Although these systems have worked wonders in keeping bad breath to a minimum, they are not meant to replace the routine care and cleaning a person needs. Proper tooth brushing and flossing is just as important as brushing and flossing. Just keep in mind that after using toothpaste or whitening products, it can damage the enamel if left unchecked. You should check your toothpaste frequently to ensure that it has been tested to guarantee that it contains no harsh chemicals or alcohol. Also, make sure to change your toothbrush frequently as well to avoid wearing out the toothbrush. If needed, wash or rinse under a running faucet, as this cleanses the brush and enamel.

5) Eat Healthy Foods

What you eat affects everything you do, so it is wise to prioritize eating foods high in protein and fiber when you’re trying to keep the health of your mouth. Opt for organic food – including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Plus, eating healthy foods while avoiding unhealthy processed snacks will help you achieve the optimal nutrients for optimal oral health. These foods will boost immunity, improve blood flow to and inside your eyes, and boost circulation to the area around the mouth, which will allow you to breathe easily. Another benefit of eating the right foods is that they contain probiotics for digestive health. These can also support the maintenance of healthy bacteria in your gut which aids in preventing infections, improves digestion, and promotes healthy bacteria in the mouth. You can learn more about the importance of consuming the correct nutrition in our video about 5 Reasons Why Eating Protein Is Important for Oral Health.

6) Keep Fluoridation Off

Paying for the right dental insurance plan is essential if you want your teeth to last long enough to withstand the pressures of everyday living. At Amistad, we offer great discounts and benefits on the coverage you need and the right fit for your needs and budget. Some plans cover all the basic preventive care, while others cover more advanced treatments. With these kinds of policies, we also offer flexible payment plans, so you can stay within your budget and reach your financial goals without having to compromise on coverage. Our most affordable dental plan gives you 50% less on the $9,000 per year premium and includes free access to Dr. John Wingfield on Ocado and online dental training. No matter what kind of coverage plan you choose, there are several advantages to obtaining comprehensive and personalized treatment or saving money.

7) Remember That Tooth Decay Can Wait

Teeth can go to a number of different stages of growth and may weaken or decay with age. During the first three years of adult life, you should be getting a fluoride toothpaste. After that, the process slows down and tooth decay starts occurring as the tooth roots weaken. Once the first set of teeth comes loose and begin breaking apart, some individuals may experience a sudden loss of teeth or a new set of ones that isn’t as durable. Since this can be delayed, tooth decay can occur later in life if it hasn’t caused any symptoms. However, tooth decay can take place before reaching their first birthday. While many would consider that to be unusual behavior, studies have shown that tooth decay has occurred in patients in their 30s or 40s. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, tooth decay is a bacterial infection by microorganisms that affect your teeth that has started developing and will eventually lead to tooth loss within the next five to seven years of life, which could leave you looking completely different than you were when you were young. If left untreated, this will not only result in poor oral hygiene, but can also impact your quality of life. Because of that, the sooner you find a reliable dentist to address your dental issues, the better chance to keep an effective dental routine in front of your face. Be brave, proactive, and know your teeth! Treating oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal disease helps avoid tooth loss. All you need for successful dental health is strong, resilient teeth and enough knowledge of the methods and strategies necessary, and these might just be the ticket to staying healthy for a lifetime!