Tip: if you must take sodas, do so with a straw to avoid the drink having direct contact with your teeth.

Having bad dental hygiene can make it difficult for anyone to say something as simple as cheese or to smile. Are you tired of keeping your lips tight shut in social circles? Or perhaps you know someone having some serious dental nightmare? Here are some dental hygiene tips to ensure that you always maintain good healthy, white teeth.

Brush your mouth properly

Yes, mouth, not teeth. The reason is that your teeth are not the only thing in your mouth; you have your gum, your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Those need cleaning too.

Floss regularly

As wonderful as brushing regularly is, it is not holistic in its responsibility to clean your teeth. Brushing can clean the surface of the teeth, but it cannot do the same for the spaces in between teeth. This is where flossing comes in. It helps to get rid of food residue and other detrimental substances stuck between the teeth.

Ensure that your diet is teeth-friendly

For most people, if not everybody, our primary reason for eating something is that it tastes good. But, have we ever considered what these different foods or snacks do to our teeth? Foods such as nuts, fruits (such as apples), cheese, chicken and vegetables are teeth friendly. Something extra to know about cheese is that it causes your salivary gland to produce more saliva, which neutralises acid.

Limit intake of sodas and alcohol

Tobacco for one is something you should run away from. You should also limit your intake of soda and alcohol. These contain phosphorus, which is an important mineral for health. Go instead with beverages that will help to build enamel strength and water, which hydrates your body better than any sugary drink ever will.

Leave a little fluoride in your mouth before bedtime

Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth surface so why rinse it off after brushing your teeth? For many people it may not be ideal to carry toothpaste residue in their mouth the whole day and frankly it makes no logical sense. So, it is not advisable to do this when brushing your teeth in the morning but what about at night before you go to bed? 

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