Asides brushing twice daily and avoiding junk food, there are other ways to keep your mouth (your gum, teeth, enamel, and tongue) healthy. Here are some important dental care tips to take note of:
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- Never brush immediately after eating
The general consensus is to brush twice daily; whether before or after meals. However, it is safer to brush before eating, and if you have to brush after a meal, wait for 30 to 45 minutes. This is because food items with high acid content soften the enamel, making it more sensitive. Constant brushing at that state will lead to staining and cavities.
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- Replace missing teeth quickly
If you lose a tooth, it is important that you replace it as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the higher the likelihood of decay in the surrounding teeth. There is also a risk of bone loss in the jaw.
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- Always clean out your tongue
Yes, brush your teeth for 2 minutes; we’ve all heard it many times. People take this verbatim and forget to brush their tongues too. If you don’t brush your tongue regularly, bacteria will fester in your mouth and cause very bad breath.
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- Reduce your sugar intake
Apart from sweets and chocolate, also reduce the amount of starchy food you consume. Food with high sugar levels are bad for the enamel, and if you eat them constantly, you are exposing your teeth to acid erosion.
Visit your dentist twice a year for general checkups; this will help to catch any conditions quickly. This also provides an opportunity to have your teeth cleaned professionally.