Dental care is so important as it is your teeth that make your smile lively and attractive. That is why you and me are searching for dental care tips so that we can do dental care at home as much as possible.

Keep smiling and say “cheese” are the two widely used lines when it comes to clicking photos and celebrations. Teeth are something that provides the base and adds value to your smile and pictures.

Everybody who wants to have well hygienic and overall good health must take care of their teeth, gums, and tongue.

We all have skincare and hair-care regime, but often people do not give enough time to follow oral hygiene instructions.It is a lifetime of care to achieve healthy and strong teeth. Day to day and right dental care tips can help you achieve healthy, strong, and bright teeth.

The dental care regime involves the right oral hygiene products and the right habits for your teeth and gums. There are several reasons you want to have healthy teeth and gums. To add attraction to your smile to be able to chew food for proper nutrition, we need healthy and strong teeth and gums. For covering dental expenses we can choose a good health insurance plan.

Dental Problems

It is not just an oral health issue; improper dental care can lead to several diseases and infections. From toothaches, bad smells to discomfort, there are many issues you might suffer from if you do not pay enough attention to your dental care. Also, new research revealed that gum infections and diseases could lead to several other problems, including increased risk of heart diseases.

We know that our mouth is filled with billions of billions of bacteria. These bacteria build up as plaque, which leads to tooth decay/ cavities, gingivitis, bad smell, and much more. For years we have been told by the dentists or teeth hygienist that we must practice the right dental care regime to remove plaque and strong teeth.

Brushing after meals, using antimicrobial mouthwash, and flossing adequately always protect teeth against harmful bacteria living behind an attractive smile and healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing your teeth twice may not be enough for overall dental hygiene program. From proper brushing technique, right brush, mouthwash, tongue cleaner, and floss are essential for proper dental care. Apart from all this, it is recommended that we must have a regular dental checkup.

Tooth Decay and Cavities

As stated above, our mouth is filled with billions of bacteria that are recycling our foods and drinks we eat. These bacteria can cause tooth decay in the process of feeding on sugars in the foods and drinks we consume, leaving behind the waste, in the form of plaque. This plaque helps all those bacteria to stick around your teeth longer until eventually, they produce acids, which wear down the tooth enamel and cause cavities.

These bacteria also produce other toxic products that, when entering gum tissues, cause gingivitis. And if proper treatment is not given, gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which can cause severe damage to the bone and tissues around the teeth.

What Leads to Tooth Decay ?

People are eating excessive and improper meals in a race to satisfy their taste buds. Sugary foods, we all know that lead to plaque, but you might not know that there are other foods that can cause more damage. Foods rich in starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also lead to acid formation.

Have you ever noticed blood on your gums while brushing? The bacteria produce substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and susceptible to bleeding. This leads to gums to pull apart from the teeth, causing space between that may fill with bacteria and pus. If untreated, the bone around the teeth may become loose or have to be removed.

Now, as we have talked about what causes cavities and how much role oral hygiene routine plays in overall general health. Now we must tell you all the proper techniques and right dental tips for healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Care Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques:

Following techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth are recommended from the American Dental Association:

Brushing

Choose a brush with soft bristles and use pea-sized toothpaste on it.
Place the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums, so that the brush is in contact with both teeth and gums.
Stroke the brush back and forth gently.
Make sure you brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Gently clean the front teeth’ inside surfaces with the tip of the brush with up and down stroke.
Brush the tongue or just use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria.
Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water.
Brush twice a day gently for at least 2-3 minutes.

Flossing

Choose the best brand floss and always store it hygienically.
Break off nearly 15 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of both hands.
Hold the floss firmly between the thumb and index fingers.
Gently slide the floss between the teeth.
Curve it into a “C” shape against the tooth.
Gently floss the tooth without hurting your gums.
Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
Repeat gently on each tooth.
Rinse with lukewarm water.

Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash:

Mouthwash can reach the places where even your electric toothbrushes and floss can’t reach. Mouthwash can get rid of the debris that irritates the gums, which causes gingivitis. Add a mouthwash recommended by the American Dental Association to get the most out of your dental care regime.

Use Fluoride toothpaste:

Fluoride is derived from fluorine, an element derived from the earth’s soil. It is recommended by dentists to use fluoride-based toothpaste as it helps prevent cavities. There are researches which state that lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay. It has been found that even brushing and flossing won’t help until and unless you use fluoride.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend having added fluoride to the water supply. Some people brush their teeth before heading to bed and do not rinse their mouths with water so that fluoride can do its work in the night time.

Have a Balanced Diet:

Always have a balanced and healthy food for strong teeth and gums. Make sure you add calcium-rich foods and drinks to make your teeth strong and healthy. Opt for leafy greens vegetables and fruits which help the body to fight against infections.

Avoid excess sugar and soda drinks, which can lead to cavities. Include eggs, seafood, vegetables, nuts and dairy products to have strong and healthy teeth naturally.

Cut off Tobacco and smoking:

Chewing tobacco and smoking can lead to various diseases as well as oral cancer. Excessive smoking and chewing tobacco can create yellow spots on the teeth. Limit your tea and coffee intake as they have caffeine as well.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly:

Having a dental care regimen alone won’t help in the long term. Always go for regular dental checkups every six months. There are some dental problems only a dentist can identify, so do your best in the dental care regimen and then leave the rest to the dental care experts.

Dental Care Tips While Pregnancy

It is recommended that you must visit your dentist during the second trimester. If you see any unusual changes to your gums, make sure you visit your dentist to check for any infections. Add milk, cheese, and yogurt to your meals and avoid sugary foods if possible. Ask your Gynecologist to check if you are given some medicines from your dentist.

Dental Care Tips for Kids

It is seen that one of four young children develops signs of tooth decay even before they turn 4. Importance of dental care should begin as a child’s first tooth appears, which is usually around six months. Teeth can be wiped with a clean and soft cloth. Let your kids learn about brushing along with the potty training.

How to Strengthen Gums Naturally

There are many remedies and Ayurveda products out there to strengthen gums naturally. Whatever home remedy or Ayurveda product you choose but do not forget that you cannot replace them for brushing, flossing, or rinsing with a mouthwash. Below are a few natural or home herbal remedies that can help you get rid of unhealthy teeth and strengthen gums naturally. These teeth care tips at home are easy to use without using harsh chemicals.

Baking Soda & Peroxide for Dental Care:

Baking soda can fight cavities, and peroxide can help you get rid of harmful bacteria. But make sure you dilute peroxide with water; otherwise, you might burn your gums.

Green tea for Dental Care:

Even though green tea contains caffeine but still researches says that if you rinse your mouth with green tea extract, it may help keep your teeth from getting eroded. Also, studies say that people who drink green tea have healthier gums compared to those who do not drink it.

How to Protect Teeth from Cavity

The best solution is to maintain the right dental care regime, but there are some natural ways to protect teeth from cavities.

Natural oils:

Natural oils such as menthol, tea tree, and eucalyptol help you fight bacteria in your mouth. These also help in reducing inflammation.

Lemongrass oil mouthwash:

Lemongrass oil is more effective than other mouthwashes, which helps to reduce plaque and gingivitis. This natural oil is very potent, so always dilute it with water before using it to avoid irritation.

– Add 2-3 drops of lemongrass oil in a glass of water.

– Rinse out your mouth for up to 30 seconds.

– Spit out the oil.

– Repeat twice a day.

Tea Tree Oil:

This essential oil is known for its anti-bacterial properties, which can help you avoid cavities and gingivitis. Make sure you dilute the oil with water to avoid irritations. It is one of the best dental care tips.

– Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in a glass of lukewarm water.

– Swirl the solution for 30 in your mouth.

– Spit out the solution.

– Repeat twice a day for best results.

Oil Pulling:

Oil pulling is a process to swish natural oils in your mouth to reduce harmful bacteria, remove toxins, and improve oral health. It is an Ayurvedic way to get rid of unhealthy teeth and protect teeth from cavities.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. According to the research, the coconut oil pulling method can help you reduce plaque and gingivitis. Make sure you do not swallow it as it contains toxins and bacteria from your mouth. Coconut oil pulling may help you get rid of unhealthy teeth and strengthen gums naturally.

– Swirl 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for about 20-30 minutes.

– Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

– Drink a glass full of lukewarm water and brush afterward.

Clove:

Cloves are full of anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants. Cloves can prevent plaque and reduce inflammation. Placing a clove near a tooth can also help you get temporary relief from toothache.

– Crush 5-6 cloves.

– Gently apply the cloves on your gums with the help of a cotton ball.

– Let it work for 2-3 minutes.

– Rinse it out with lukewarm water.

Some other essential healthy teeth tips, tips for dental care and how to to avoid unhealthy teeth & how to keep teeth healthy naturally.

Wash & dry the brush and store properly to maintain hygiene.
Change your brush every 3rd month.
Pick the right brush, and most adults need a small or a mid-sized toothbrush.
Do not cover your toothbrush as it may help grow harmful bacteria.
Do not share your brush with even your kids or spouse.
Use a tongue scraper or any good tongue cleaner recommended by ADA, which will help you wipe out all those remaining bacteria from your tongue.
Protect the teeth from injuries by wearing guards while playing sports.
Avoid using your teeth for opening bottle caps, cracking nuts, or anything which may bring damage to the teeth or gums.
Teenagers with braces must use special brushes recommended by their dentists.
Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can increase saliva flow, which will neutralize the acids and washes away the bacteria.
If you have a teeth grinding habit, it is advisable to use a teeth guard while sleeping.

These dental care tips will help you maintain your oral- hygiene.

When to Seek Medical Help:

Extreme tooth pain.
Bad breath smell.
Excessive bleeding gums.
Extremely swollen or inflamed gums.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we all know that brushing, flossing, using a mouthwash regularly is the key to keeping the teeth naturally healthy. But make sure you visit your dentist at least once in 6 months to avoid any infection or diseases. You can also try many home remedies and herbs so that you can protect teeth from the cavity and to strengthen gums naturally.

Always brush your teeth at least two times a day with a brush with soft bristles. Keep your brushing time under 4-5 minutes, and do not brush vigorously to keep the teeth and gums safe. Always use flossing and mouthwash in your teeth cleaning rituals. If you ever see blood while brushing, stop brushing, and rinse the mouth with cold water and consult your dentist.

We all have a skin-care , hair- care regime for medium length hairstyles but often we neglect the oral-care regime, combining these three leads to overall health. I have tried to cover all the issues in this essay on teeth care, importance of oral hygiene, dental tips and tricks but if by mistake i forgot something please let me know. If you have any teeth care home remedies, please be kind enough to share it in the comments section.