Simple Ways To Have Healthy Teeth And Gums For Life

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three girls with healthy teeth and gums are smiling and talking together while drinking tea

Having healthy teeth and gums plays an essential role in your overall health. It is important that you do whatever you can to ensure they remain in great condition. Everyone knows that brushing and flossing are the foundations of a healthy oral hygiene routine. They are not, however, the only ways to maintain a bright and healthy smile.

Eat an Apple a Day

Drinking milk is an excellent way to get your daily dose of calcium. Calcium not only gives you strong bones, but also strong teeth. More than 95 percent of the calcium in your body is found in your bones and teeth. If you're not big on milk, other excellent sources of calcium include cheese, yoghurt, broccoli, and tofu.

Brush with Fluoride

It's also a good idea to brush with a fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride works to help decrease the risk of tooth cavities by building an invisible layer of protection over your teeth. This protection helps make your teeth more resistant to plaque build-up and the deteriorating effects sugar can have on them.

Flossing

Flossing should be a staple in any healthy oral care routine. Daily flossing aids in preventing tarter build-up, heart disease, tooth cavities, and halitosis. It takes only a few moments to floss properly, but the benefits are long lasting.

Change Your Toothbrush

Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush can break down, making them less effective in removing plaque from your gums and teeth. Always make a point of changing your toothbrush every three months or so. Should you have the flu, a cold, or any mouth infection, it would be a good idea to change your toothbrush right away to prevent the return of infection.

Avoid Tobacco

If you truly want to keep healthy teeth and gums, it's important to avoid tobacco in any form. Tobacco use, whether chewing or smoking, contributes to an overwhelming number of cases of oral tissue damage. The powder found in tobacco not only stains your teeth, but can also weaken them. In more serious cases, it can even cause oral cancer. Learn more about how stopping tobacco use can help your teeth in the Colgate Oral Care resources.