It’s easy to get tunnel vision when it comes to taking care of your teeth. To keep healthy, all you need to do is brush every day, and mix in some flossing, right? In some cases, you can keep your teeth clean with this, but the fact of the matter is that there’s a lot more that you can be doing in terms of your oral health. Here are some key options that can be a bit off the beaten path.
For one thing, don’t forget that when it comes to what you eat, there is such a thing as teeth-friendly foods. Along with avoiding sugary and syrupy foods, be sure to eat plenty of leafy green vegetables as well as dairy foods that are rich in calcium. Why? These foods have nutrients that are essential for keeping your teeth healthy.
If you’re ready to incorporate some new dental tools outside of your toothbrush, a great place to start is a tongue scraper. To use this, simply run the scraper over your tongue at least once a day along you’re your brushing. This is great because it reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth that can end up becoming plaque and tartar. If you find yourself on the go and don’t have any floss, it may be a good idea to use sugar-free gum in a pinch. This is because it can stimulate saliva production, which has a natural benefit for oral health.
In some cases, you may want to turn to the natural and herbal world, and this is where the South Asian tradition of oil pulling comes in. Oil pulling involves using coconut oil or sesame oil and swishing it around in your mouth to take advantage of its anti-bacterial effects. There are a surprising amount of different herbal components that you can make into different mouthwashes. These include aloe vera, sage, and tea tree oil. This helps not only avoid plaque, but also take care of your gums. As a note, though, if you plan on putting these into action, it may be a good idea to check with a doctor first.
Remember, the purpose of some of these practices is to complement your typical oral health routine, not replace it. Be sure to regularly visit the dentists at Pickering Square Dental to keep your teeth clean and stay on top of other oral health issues.
