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How to actually take care of your teeth

How to actually take care of your teeth

Building good dental hygiene habits will give you fresh and healthy teeth. If you want to avoid cavities and gum infections, there are certain things you need to do and think of daily. 

 

We all know that we should brush our teeth daily and floss. Therefore, I will focus on the things that might not be as obvious, or that few of us make a priority, based on the advice that dentists give. 

Reduce grazing

Healthy meals are just as important for your teeth as they are for the rest of your body. Your teeth need to be used regularly in order to stay strong, just like rabbits need something to chew on so their teeth won´t grow long and weak. 

 

Be careful about grazing, however. According to dentists at Majorstuen tannlegesenter, the main Tannlege Majorstuen in Oslo, Norway, eating between regular meals like breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the nighttime snack might strain your teeth. Just like you need rest between workouts, your teeth need a break between each meal. Grazing sugary foods will especially increase the strain and will make it more likely that you´ll have cavities. 

Drink water when you´re thirsty

Yes yes, you´ve heard it all before, from your parents, teachers, and your dentist. But does that mean you resort to water as your go-to option when you feel thirsty on a hot summer day? Of course not.

 

Most of us want something that not only satisfies our thirst but also our tongue when we´re thirsty. And tasty drinks often come in the form of juice, smoothies, sodas, and energy drinks, which are prone to containing a lot of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and acid that is not good for our teeth. 

 

So drink more water. Eventually, it just becomes a habit, like all the other things you do like brushing your teeth and putting on clothes before heading out the door. 

Don´t smoke or use scruff

All forms of tobacco may color the teeth, and they contain nicotine that actually worsens the blood flow of our gums. Scruff may also give lasting and negative effects on our gums, as it pulls it up, exposing the upper parts of our teeth. It not only looks a bit weird, but it´s also not good for our teeth. 

 

I understand that if you have been smoking or using scruff for many years, it might be hard to quit. You are free to keep doing it, but in that case, I would advise you to not use extra force when brushing your teeth where they are more colored, or where you put your scruff. Doing so will only serve to weaken your gums.