The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe)

Taking care of your teeth

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Brushing

ONE of the simplest ways to clean your teeth is by brushing them regularly. Brushing is the foremost thing which is recommende­d by any dentist. However, it is also important how you brush and hold your toothbrush.

While you brush make sure you position the toothbrush at 45 degrees over gum line so that both tooth surface and gum line are in contact with the bristles. Ensure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes so that most of the surfaces of all your teeth are covered.

One you are finished with brushing your teeth, it is time to clean your tongue. Brush the surface of tongue and roof of the mouth to make sure the mouth is free from bacteria so that there is no cause for the occurrence of bad breath.

Flossing

We all know that flossing will consume a lot of time but remember one thing; even after brushing your teeth at least 40 percent of your teeth surface remains untouched. Flossing can help remove food particles and other harmful substances which cannot be removed with regular brushing. It is recommende­d to floss at least once a day.

Stay away from smoking, smokeless tobacco and alcohol

Avoiding tobacco is one great way you can save your teeth from great danger. Staying away from tobacco will keep you away from oral cancer and other periodonta­l diseases. Tobacco is not the only one which can damage your teeth but alcohol is also one such substance. Periodonta­l treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the oral health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone.

Avoid coffee, tea and sodas

These beverages no doubt can provide some amount of nutrition to your mouth and body but too much can be hazardous to your teeth. Sodas can weaken your teeth and lead to dental problems such as tooth cavities. Tea, coffee are the main teeth staining culprits. These beverages contain ingredient­s that can cause discolorat­ion of teeth.

Follow a healthy diet

Teeth require plenty of calcium. It is necessary that you consume healthy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, orange juice and other vitamin and calcium rich foods. Excess or deficiency of vitamins in your body can put you at the risk of dental health problems.

Visit a dental profession­al

You should visit a dental profession­al once in six months so that your dental health remains checked. Limit sugary foods

When you eat sugary food, bacteria will break the down sugars and create acids leading to acid build-up on the teeth. Soon after eating any sugary food or any food that can create dental problems, make sure you clean your mouth by brushing or by mouthwash so that there is no residue of bacteria.

Anti-bacterial mouth rinse/Chew sugarless gum Chewing gum is a good way to produce saliva in your mouth, once saliva starts flowing into your mouth it neutralise­s the acid effect produced by bacteria thereby acting as a natural defender for your teeth. Additional­ly, rinse your mouth with anti-bacterial mouth rinse so as to prevent tooth decay and gum problems.

Use fluoride toothpaste and drinking water Fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water can strengthen your tooth enamel and make it less prone to tooth decay. However, it is suggested that you do not take in excess as there are many complicati­ons associated with excess fluoride intake. — Wires.

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