Although just over half of U.S. adults visit their dentists every six months, one in five haven’t been at all in the last five years according to moderndent.com. While going to the dentist regularly is a must for clean, healthy teeth, there are some great dental products for keeping them that way in between visits.
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The Right Toothbrush
Your toothbrush is arguably the most important dental product for keeping clean teeth, but the key is to choose the right one. Dentists overwhelmingly agree that it should be soft-bristled as medium- and hard-bristled brushes are too abrasive. Electric toothbrushes are often ideal as they prevent harsh scrubbing for better results and can make it easier to brush longer too.
Floss
Flossing at least once a day is a must for cleaning, healthy teeth, but twice a day is even better. It will help to remove food particles that get trapped between teeth your toothbrush can’t get to. If you never flossed, just imagine what would happen, all that plaque, bacteria, grime, food particles and so on start to build up, making your mouth and teeth even more difficult to clean. Plus, I it’s not taking care of, that buildup can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss. It doesn’t matter whether you use unwaxed or waxed, either work fine, the main thing is to make sure you floss regularly.
Teeth Whitening Products
There are lots of different teeth whitening products available today to give your teeth that clean, glistening shine, from special whitening strips to in-office dental whitening and take-home whitening kits you can buy from your dentist. A whiter, brighter smile not only makes your teeth look healthier and cleaner, but it can go a long way in boosting confidence too.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash isn’t just for bad breath, they can help fight all sorts of dental problems. Some help remove plaque and prevent gum disease while others contain fluoride to help fend off cavities. If you struggle when it comes to brush and flossing, using mouthwash regularly may offer added protection against gum disease and cavities. Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations and certain brands are best for people with certain issues such as sensitive teeth.
Limit High-Sugar, High-Acid Foods
In the mouth, sugar is converted to acid which can erode your teeth’s enamel – that’s what causes cavities. In addition to candy and other sugary foods, coffee, teas and acidic fruits can damage enamel.
Munch on Carrots and Other Crunchy Produce More Often
Raw fruits and veggies are not only good for your overall health, but your teeth, especially crunch ones. Eating fresh, crunchy produce like carrots, celery and apples will get you more healthy fiber and they’re the best choice for your teeth too. The fibers actually work to clean teeth by serving as a toothbrush. They can scrub plaque away from teeth while removing food debris – keeping plaque to a minimum. They can also stimulate saliva production, naturally cleaning teeth not to mention containing a wealth of vitamins to protect from diseases like gingivitis.
