For many people, dental care is one of the most important things besides a perfect skincare routine and a well-balanced diet. Well, it is a no surprise since healthy and beautiful teeth can improve one’s self-confidence, especially when in public. There are even some people who are willing to splurge money on costly dental treatments in order to have perfect teeth.
But before you begin to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on dental treatments, you might want to try these eight simple and cheap ways to take care of your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. With just an excellent dental hygiene and some simple changes in your diet, you could save a lot of money on your dental care!
#1 Change your eating habits
According to a study published in The British Medical Journal, a simple change in diet may reverse tooth decay. Diet which is rich in sugar may lead to teeth decay since phytic acid which can be found in cereals and grains can block the absorption of calcium.
However, this condition can be reversed if you reduce your intake of cereals and grains, you may never face such problems. Also, increase your intake of calcium by consuming more dairy products such as milk and yogurt and dark leafy greens. You might also want to sto drinking sodas, juices and fizzy beverages as these drinks are high in sugar. Instead, change to unsweetened drinks like green tea and plain water.
#2 Chew sugarless gum
However ironic it may sound, chewing sugarless gum can actually help you to avoid tooth decay. Most sugarless gums contain a component called xylitol which is a natural sweetener. This natural sweetener does not lead to growth of bacteria in your mouth and it can also helps your mouth to produce more saliva which is essential to keep your teeth clean from food remains.
#3 Clean and change your toothbrush regularly
Many people might not know how important it is to choose the right toothbrush and to change it regularly.
- Always pick a small or a medium-sized toothbrush and make sure its bristles can reach into the crevices of your molars to clean off the food remains.
- Do not use covers for toothbrush as they may harbour microorganisms and bacteria. Instead, clean and rinse your toothbrush with water after you brush your teeth and leave it to dry. It is also important not to leave your toothbrush in the same area with your toilet since faecal bacteria can end up on it.
- Change your toothbrush regularly because its bristles can deteriorate over time and daily usage. It is recommended to change your toothbrush every three months.
#4 Follow a basic dental care
According to the International Dental Health Association, almost 42% adults only use toothbrush in their dental care regime. Brushing alone may not be efficient enough to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Instead, include these steps in your oral care:
- Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes and minimum twice a day. Try to reach out for all the surfaces of your teeth, including the farthest corners where food remains can easilt get trapped.
- Floss your teeth. Sometimes, brushing may not be enough to clean your teeth off so se floss to remove all the remaining food from underneath your gums.
- Use mouthwash. Any mouthwash has an anti-bacterial effect and it can help you get rid of the remaining bacteria in your mouth. One important tip – do not rinse your mouth with water after you use mouthwash. The effect will last longer.
#5 Visit your dentist for regular cleanings
Do not wait until you have dental problems to start paying a visit to dentist. We all know that a visit to the dentist may not be a pleasant experience but it is always better to prevent a problem than to treat it. Sometimes, there are areas that cannot be reached by flossing and brushing, so your dentist will clean them for you.
Usually, your dentist will clean the gum line on the back and the front of your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar buildup. Make sure that you visit your dentist at least twice a year.
#6 Add supplements and vitamins to your diet
Apart from reducing sugary food, there is one more thing that you can do to fight dental plaque – by taking vitamins.
- To promote salivation, you need to consume foods that are rich in fibre such as fruits, nuts and vegetables.
- Consume whole grain foods. These foods contain Vitamin B and iron. Plus, whole grains contain magnesium, a mineral that helps absorb calcium and strengthen your teeth.
- Include more seafood in your diet. They are rich in Vitamin D which is essential for healthy teeth and to help absorb calcium.
#7 Try coconut oil pulling
You can try coconut pulling to naturally protect your teeth from decay. The oil pulls bacteria off your teeth and naturally heals them. Simply apply a tablespoon of coconut oil to your teeth and wait for 20 minutes until your saliva and the oil turn milky.
Oil pulling does not reverse tooth decay but it can help prevent cavities.
#8 The DIY toothpaste
This DIY toothpaste comes with a lot of benefits and it just require a few ingredients to be made. You will simply need 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of calcium powder, 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1 tablespoon of stevia.
Mix all the ingredients together until it reaches paste consistency and use it as a substitute of your regular toothpaste.
Remember: Don’t use this toothpaste for more than 30 days in a row due to its abrasive structure and absence of fluoride.
Have you ever tried any of the above tips? If you haven’t you might want to give them a try and who knows that they will give a wonderful result to your teeth!
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