Shine on...

Dr Sahira Sandhu

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As we celebrate the beginning of a new year, many of us will use this opportunity to make resolutions to lose weight, get a better job, stop smoking, spend more time with family etc. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health?

Healthy resolutions can keep your teeth healthy, and any of the following strategies will go a long way toward giving you a brighter, healthier smile in the coming year:

Brush regularly, not aggressively

Most people are aware that brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most important practices for removing plaque and bacteria. However, brushing will only be effective if people use the correct technique. One should brush using small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth. This process takes between two and three minutes. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage tooth enamel and gums. The effects of this may include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective enamel on the teeth, and gum erosion.

Keep a check on stain causing foods

The most effective way to prevent tooth staining is to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. You can help reduce the amount of staining by limiting your intake of those foods and beverages that stain teeth in the first place. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and red wine. Limit dark sauces and berries. Eliminate soda from your diet. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day, not just after consuming stain-causing foods, will help keep teeth bright and healthy as well.

Eat fruits and vegetables

Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth.

Brush with fluoride

It’s also a good idea to brush with a fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride works to decrease the risk of tooth decay by building an invisible layer of protection over your teeth. This protection makes your teeth more resistant to plaque buildup.

Flossing is necessary

It should be a staple in any healthy oral care routine. Daily flossing aids in preventing tarter buildup, heart disease, tooth decay, and halitosis. It takes only a few moments to floss properly, but the benefits are long lasting.

Change your toothbrush regularly

Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush can break down, rendering them less effective at removing plaque from your gums and teeth. Always make a point to change your toothbrush every three months or so. However, should you have the flu, a cold, or any mouth infection, it’s a good idea to change your toothbrush right away.

Teeth are not tools

Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.

Quit smoking

Using tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways, increasing the risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.

(Dr Sandhu is a Chandigarh-based prosthodontics)