Oral Hygiene: 5 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Teeth

To prevent cavities, gum problems, and bad breath, it is of course essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day. But that's not all. Certain good habits can help you maintain healthy teeth. Here are 5 sometimes unexpected tips for taking care of your teeth.

Brush your teeth at the right time.

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral hygiene. However, it's important to do it at the right time! Did you know that it's better not to brush your teeth immediately after a meal? It's preferable to wait 45 minutes after eating.

Indeed, the acidity of the foods we consume weakens tooth enamel. Brushing too soon could therefore lead to its erosion.

During this 45-minute interval, it is advisable to simply rinse your mouth with water, to reduce oral acidity and remove tannins from coffee, red wine, or tea that can stain the teeth.

Avoid overly abrasive toothpastes.

To prevent the appearance of unsightly stains on teeth, it is generally thought to be a good practice to use a whitening toothpaste every day. However, in reality, whitening formulas are too abrasive for daily use. The right frequency is to use them every other day, alternating with a regular toothpaste.

All toothpastes are suitable for ensuring good oral hygiene, but some products are better suited to address specific issues.

For instance, people who suffer from tooth sensitivity can alleviate their symptoms by choosing a specific toothpaste. The trick for optimal relief is to put a little bit of the paste on your finger and massage the sensitive areas.

3- Take care of your diet.

Taking care of your diet is another way to look after your teeth. Everyone knows that sugar promotes the development of cavities. However, few people are wary of hidden sugars found in salty foods such as flavored waters, ketchup, or snack crackers.

In addition to limiting sweet foods or those containing hidden sugars, you can rely on other foods with beneficial effects. This is especially true for dairy products high in calcium (particularly hard cheeses), sea fish, dark chocolate, and legumes like broad beans and dry beans.

Chew sugar-free gum.

When one does not have the opportunity to brush their teeth, sugar-free chewing gums offer a backup solution, and not just because they freshen breath.

After a meal, chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production and strengthens the teeth. The mere act of chewing helps to mechanically remove some of the dental plaque.

Even better, the xylitol contained in sugar-free chewing gums neutralizes bacteria. This natural sweetener derived from birch contributes to good oral hygiene as it reduces the acidity of the mouth and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Stay hydrated to combat dry mouth.

The last of the 5 tips for taking care of your teeth is more unexpected: stay hydrated to facilitate saliva production.

Drinking water regularly helps to hydrate the mouth's mucous membranes and produce more saliva. Conversely, having a dry mouth promotes bacterial growth and bad breath...

To prevent dry mouth, it's important to limit dehydration causes such as alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications. It's also necessary to treat any potential gastroesophageal reflux and use a saliva substitute when undergoing treatment that dries out the mouth.

In summary, tips for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are not limited to brushing, but also include diet, hydration, and overall oral health.