Proper oral hygiene should be a priority for both kids and adults. Dental experts like Phillip Chien DDS recommend that you care for your teeth to prevent cancer, gum disease, diabetes, and heart problems. The following are some unexpected ways to care for your teeth.

1. Check the Sugar Content of All Your Meals

Sugary foods such as candy and cookies are known to be bad for your teeth. However, they are not the only foods to beware of. Foods such as cereals, dried fruit, and bread may also be bad for your teeth. Some soft drinks may be highly acidic and bad for your enamel. The best foods and drinks to care for your teeth should have a maximum of 15 grams of sugar for every 100 grams. And if you need a dental check-up, visit this experienced dentist in santa monica.

2. Don’t Over-whiten Your Teeth

Bleaching your teeth may be a good idea but you should be careful. Teeth whitening may boost your confidence but too much of it is bad for your teeth. If used too frequently, the bleaching agents may do more harm than good. They may cause chemical burns, increased sensitivity, and gum irritation. 

3. Increase Your Fruit Intake

Eating lots of fruit is good for your teeth. Chewing on them stimulates the flow of saliva and reduced acidity in your mouth. Fresh fruits may be acidic but they are great to care for your teeth. 

4. Drink Tap Water

Even though it is cheaper, tap water has more benefits for your teeth than bottled water. It is rich in fluoride which prevents tooth decay. 

5. Stop Smoking

Smoking damages your teeth and has no real benefit. If you are addicted to smoking, seek professional help and stop it. If you are a regular smoker, you may have stained teeth, oral cancer, or bad breath. There are alternatives to smoking if you have trouble quitting.

6. Avoid Brushing Your Teeth Right After Meals

Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating. Foods and drinks alter the PH balance of your mouth making your enamel a bit softer than normal for some time. After eating, wait up to 40 minutes before brushing your teeth. 

7. Drink Your Coffee Fast 

Always drink your coffee as fast as possible. Most people pour a cup of coffee and sip it slowly while going on with other activities. The coffee and sugar in it slowly destroy your enamel. To minimize damage to your teeth, try to drink your coffee in a few minutes to care for your teeth. 

8. Avoid Rinsing After Brushing

After brushing your teeth, don’t rinse out your mouth immediately. Most toothpaste brands contain fluoride which is good for your teeth. Fluoride prevents tooth decay and acid attacks. Rinsing out your mouth means you won’t get the maximum benefits. 

According to dentists, most care of your teeth happens at home. With a few simple techniques, you can take off your teeth and avoid tooth decay and other dental problems. Healthy teeth can help you avoid more serious problems such as diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. If you have any questions about it, seek the help of a dentist.