Here's how to keep your teeth for a lifetime
When it comes to teeth, looks aren't everything.
Even if teeth are beautiful, there could be plenty of trouble brewing. Your mouth is a perfect breeding ground for tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease.
There's a lot at stake. If your gums are infected with gingivitis, that can lead to periodontitis, which affects the connective tissue and bones in your jaw, according to the American Dental Association.
Here's how to prevent the damage or stop its progress:
* Skip the crackers and dried fruit unless you intend to brush your teeth soon afterward.
* Eat an apple for mouth cleansing and antioxidants.
* Get enough calcium and vitamin D by including dairy products in your diet.
* Vitamin C strengthens teeth and gums. Oranges are a good source.
* Get enough folic acid.
* Drink water to dilute toxins in your mouth.
* Brushing is important. Get a soft brush with synthetic bristles. Soft brushes reach more tooth surfaces. Brush both teeth and gums including the sides of your teeth. Brushing before bed is best, but brushing after breakfast is an additional benefit.
* Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth. Do it before bed for best results. Little floss holders are inexpensive, convenient, and easier to manipulate than the floss you wrap around your fingers.
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