We all know that brushing twice a day keeps the dentist away, but some of our dental health habits might be working against us. It obviously isn’t always easy to maintain great oral hygiene in this busy world, but having nice teeth is socially and professionally important. So, what are some easy and straightforward dental health habits that can help your teeth shine?
- Drink Water
Sports drinks and energy drinks are absolutely dangerous for your enamel. In fact, sports drinks cause 3.1% enamel loss from constant exposure. Water, on the other hand, contains a chemical called fluoride. Fluoride has been shown effective at strengthening enamel over time. Besides, water is the best way to stay hydrated and healthy overall. - Floss
Yes, you are supposed to floss. No, you don’t actually do it. Why should you? That’s the question many people never learn the answer to. Flossing actually does about 40% of the work in removing potentially harmful cavity-causing bacteria and plaque. You likely won’t see the benefits of flossing right away, but it is definitely important for long-term dental health. - Realign
If you skipped the braces period of your life when you were younger and are now stuck with crooked teeth, you might be looking for a way out. Invisible aligners are very common these days and only take about one year in treatment time. You will likely see some promising results over time. Plus, you won’t need to fear letting the world see your smile anymore. - Apples
Believe it or not, apples can help keep your teeth clean. The thick skin and rough fruit of apples act almost as a natural alternative to a toothbrush. Take caution, as apples contain a lot of sugar. If you love apples, try to eat them alongside other basic foods so you neutralize the acidic properties and balance the fruit’s dental health benefits. - Don’t Avoid Dental Checkups
One of the worst habits people regularly fall into is avoiding what you know needs to be done. This could be procrastinating an assignment, putting off a physical exam, or neglecting to schedule a dental checkup. Your dentist is there to help, so let them.
Future costs of dental health care will likely be much higher if you don’t take care of your teeth today. If you follow these five habits, though, you’re already on the path to success.