How to Get Healthier Teeth

Avoid tooth whitening products

Teeth are living organisms that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Plaque can build up on teeth as well as food like sugar, which can eat away at your teeth and cause cavities. Even tea and coffee can stain your pearly whites, so it's important to brush your teeth after every meal and avoid beverages that stain. Get healthier teeth be performing a few simple tasks every day.

Things You'll Need

• Soft tooth brush
• Whitening toothpaste
• Wide floss
• Mouthwash with fluoride

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth after every meal. The food that builds up on your teeth can cause you to get cavities. Use a soft tooth brush so you don't recede your gum lines and brush in small circular motions. Also flossing with wider floss can help you get in between teeth and it also increases the blood circulation to your gums.

2. Rinse your mouth once a day with a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Do not eat or drink anything for a half an hour after rinsing. You don't want to wash the fluoride away. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and protect it from cavities. If you have soft spots, fluoride can rebuild these vulnerable areas.

3. Avoid using tooth whitening products. These products dissolve a layer of calcium from your teeth to expose a whiter layer. If used over and over again, your teeth can become weak. Toothpaste with whitening or baking soda and peroxide is sufficient whitening.

4. Limit the amount of sugary foods and teeth staining beverages. If you do have to eat or drink these foods, make sure to brush your teeth afterwards. If you carry around a small tooth brush and toothpaste in your car or purse, it's more convenient for your to clean your teeth. Eat foods rich in calcium and have balanced meals.

5. Schedule annual teeth cleanings with a dentist. Your teeth should be professionally cleaned once a year to prevent plaque build up. If you think you have a cavity or soft spot, schedule a check up as soon as possible. Catching the problem early on can prevent you from cavity fillings, root canals and loss of teeth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you grind your teeth, wear a mouth guard at night.

• If you play sports, wear a mouth guard while playing.

• Teeth can rot quickly so visit the dentist regularly.