Tip one: replace your toothbrush on time
Online and often at the dentist’s too, we’re advised to replace our toothbrush at least every 2-3 months. In fact, with daily use a toothbrush becomes useless after just 1 month. Worn and misshapen bristles not only fail to clean your teeth, but can also injure your gums.
Tip two: there’s a right time for brushing
Dentists advise brushing your teeth after meals. But there’s no need to rush to the bathroom and start brushing the moment you finish eating. It’s better to rinse your mouth with water and brush 20-30 minutes later. Why? So that your mouth has time to restore its acid-base balance, which, as is well known, is disrupted after eating. The thing is, brushing right after eating won’t restore the pH to its initial level – it will only interfere with the process.
Tip three: say no to sweet snacks between meals
Since we’ve mentioned pH, it’s worth noting that sweets are the absolute champions of sugar content. They not only disrupt the pH balance for 1 hour, but also soften enamel and are the favorite food of cariogenic bacteria.
Tip four: less acidic, salty and fizzy
Highly acidic foods and drinks, as well as salty foods and fizzy drinks, have increased acidity, so they soften tooth enamel and make its surface rougher. As a result, it starts to “absorb” natural dyes and bacteria, which causes darkening and damage. If you can’t give up these foods, drink through a straw and rinse with water after eating fruit.
Tip five: drink less alcohol
Besides being harmful to your health, alcohol affects teeth in the same way as acidic drinks. And sparkling alcohol (champagne, cocktails) can cause enamel erosion.
Tip six: don’t smoke
Tobacco smoke contains tar and nicotine, which turn tooth enamel yellow. It also penetrates the enamel and leaves stains. It increases the risk of oral cancer.
Tip seven: make friends with your dentist
Listen to your body and see a specialist at the slightest warning sign. Bleeding gums, discomfort when biting, increased tooth sensitivity, bad breath – these are all reasons to visit the dentist. Don’t forget preventive check-ups and professional hygiene twice a year.
Tip eight: no self-treatment
When we said you should listen to your body, we didn’t mean you should diagnose yourself and prescribe your own treatment. Prescribing and carrying out treatment is the doctor’s prerogative. The same goes for teeth whitening – whether it’s done at home or at the clinic, it must be professional, i.e. done by a specialist or under their supervision.
