9 Easy Ways to Care for Your Teeth

Doctor in gloves shows how to brush your teeth

Are you doing your best to take proper care of your mouth? Studies have shown that our oral health is intricately linked to our overall health, so it is more critical than ever to maintain good hygiene habits and a healthy lifestyle!

U.S. News and World Report recently published an article describing nine easy ways to care for your teeth. Here’s what they suggested:

1. Get enough calcium: Calcium is crucial to the development and health of the teeth (and surprisingly, the gums!). Make sure you’re eating calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese and soybeans.

2. Up your Vitamin D levels: Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium. The best way to get enough Vitamin D is to spend time outside in the beautiful Florida sunshine. If you’re curious about your Vitamin D levels, have a simple blood test performed by your doctor to check.

3. Vitamin C is important, too: While we’re talking about vitamins, don’t forget about Vitamin C, which is also helpful for the health of teeth and gums. Vitamin C helps your body fight off harmful plaque. Incorporate citrus-y foods into your diet but pair them with another food to prevent the acids from damaging your tooth enamel.

4. Keep sugar intake to a minimum: Sugary treats are very tempting! Unfortunately, they can cause significant dental decay and cause serious problems in the mouth. Avoiding sugary foods and candy is in your teeth’s best interests.

5. Brush and floss twice a day: Many people floss in the evening, but it should also be a part of your morning routine. If you’re watching your weight, brushing and flossing in the evening after dinner can help prevent unnecessary nighttime snacking!

6. Out of floss? Improvise! If you’re in a bind and don’t have any floss on-hand during the day, a great natural substitute is hard, crunchy foods like carrot sticks or apple slices to clean the teeth.

7. Increase saliva production: Saliva is the body’s natural defense against oral bacteria. Boost your saliva production by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and enjoying tart foods like lemons, limes and cranberries.

8. Schedule TWO dental check-ups per year: A dentist can spot plaque and other problems in areas that you can’t see. Catching problems early-on is vital to successful intervention.

9. Rinse after every meal: Use mouthwash or at least water to rinse your mouth after meals. Not only does rinsing kill germs, but it is also great for fresh breath!