It seems that as kids, the importance of taking care of and strengthening our teeth was hammered into us at every turn. Parents would stress it every night before bed, trips to the dentist involved lectures about cavities, and there were even educational coloring books about how to care for your pearly whites.
As adults, we now see the value in the things that we shrugged off as children. Many of us even dedicate substantial amounts of time, effort, and money to improving our smiles through oral care products, cosmetic dentistry, and lifestyle changes.
The question still remains, though—how can you strengthen your teeth? If you find yourself wondering if your techniques are worthwhile or unsure where to even begin, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover how to strengthen your teeth!
Brush Properly
Properly brushing your teeth has and will always be one of the top ways to keep your chompers healthy and strong. It’s important to take precautions and ensure that you are brushing correctly, though.
The standard rules still apply—brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time—but there are a few other pointers that often get lost in translation. For example, brushing with hard bristles, brushing too aggressively, and forgetting to include your tongue in your routine can all contribute to weakening your teeth over time!
Choose Wisely
How many of the mouthwashes, toothpaste, and other oral care products at the store claim to be recommended by dentists? We’d be surprised if there was a single item that didn’t boast of something along the lines of “four out of five dentists recommend this product!”
While it’s hard to go wrong when choosing products from reputable companies, being particular about the oral hygiene products you use can contribute to building stronger teeth. Look for toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it can help restore weak enamel and combat the softening that can occur to the protective outer layer of your teeth!
Diet Appropriately
The foods and beverages that you consume have a direct effect on the health of your mouth and the strength of your teeth. While many foods, such as sodas and sugar-laden treats, are known for having a negative impact on your teeth, other foods can actually have a positive influence!
Because the foods that should be avoided are more commonly known than those that should be included in a diet, we’ve chosen to focus on the latter. Dairy products, of course, are known to strengthen teeth thanks to the high amounts of calcium and phosphorous that they contain. Other, less obvious food groups can also help.
Certain fruits and vegetables have characteristics that help clean teeth of bacteria, effectively reducing enamel loss. Even lean proteins, such as chicken and beef, contain valuable vitamins and minerals that can boost the strength of your teeth!
When in doubt or when simply searching for some insight on where to start, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your dentist and pay them a visit. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and tailor a plan specific to your needs!