11 Essential Dental Care Tips for a Radiant Smile

Who else has had dental issues and had to learn the hard way, just like me? I previously shared the pain I had to go through due to the time I fell down and didn't get my teeth checked. I didn't know I had cracks, and when my tooth got bad, I had to give more focus to it.

Dental issues lead to weight loss due to a lack of proper eating. I remember how much weight I lost when my teeth hadn't been fixed. I was so conscious of everything I ate. I had to brush three times a day to keep my mouth fresh and keep the odor away due to tooth decay. Taking care of your teeth means taking care of your entire body, because if you cannot eat or drink, you can't survive.

In this article, we will discuss the following:

Knowing what type of toothbrush to use
How long should you use your toothbrush?
What type of toothpaste is suitable for your teeth?
How to brush your teeth properly and keep them healthy.
How often should you go for dental checkups?
What is the right way to brush?
How much time should you spend brushing?
Should you rinse after brushing?
What type of brush is good for your teeth?

Teeth hygiene and general care are very important. If you have never had tooth issues, you will not understand that your teeth are one of the most used organs. If there is a problem with your teeth, it affects your entire health. When discussing oral health and dental care, the connection to blood pressure is often overlooked. However, it might be surprising to learn about the significant correlation between these seemingly unrelated aspects of health. Multiple studies, including research conducted by the American Heart Association, have revealed compelling findings. They indicate that individuals with healthier gums tend to exhibit improved responses to blood pressure medication. Conversely, those suffering from gum disease are approximately 20 percent less likely to achieve a healthy blood pressure compared to individuals with better oral health.

So how can you effectively take care of your teeth? Let me tell you the truth.

Your body changes, and that is the reality of life. Your tooth's strength can reduce with age. A good way to protect your teeth is by not eating hard foods every day. Hard foods also help exercise the teeth, but doing so often will damage them.

Chewing gum is your enemy. You see those ads on the screen; they are misleading.

Avoid fizzy drinks and sweet substances; they damage your teeth.

Consume nutritious foods that provide the essential nutrients necessary for maintaining optimal dental health. Non-organic foods have often undergone alterations and lack essential nutrients. Studies indicate that prolonged consumption of such foods can have detrimental effects on our overall health.

Additionally, excessive intake of fats can be harmful to both oral health and general well-being.
Smoking seems to be everywhere these days, but let me tell you, it's wreaking havoc on people's health, especially their teeth. Those tiny tobacco particles? They're causing all sorts of trouble by narrowing blood vessels and making our hearts work overtime, leading to high blood pressure and a whole lot of dental issues.

Now, let's talk about brushing. Seriously, folks, it's a big deal. Your mouth? It's like the front door to your overall health, and your teeth are the bouncers. If we don't kick out those bacteria at least twice a day, they start causing chaos, and nobody wants that. So, let's keep up with our brushing routine to keep our smiles bright and our bodies healthy!

I know sometimes we can fall back and only brush once a day due to stress or routine changes, but what makes the journey beautiful is that you pick up immediately.

Use the right toothbrush. Oh my gosh, people just buy any brush. Your brush bristles can also help your oral health. The bristles need to be able to bend to kind of get right under that gum.

Ever notice how they come in all shapes and sizes? It's not just about picking any old brush; you've got to find the right fit for your mouth. If you've got a smaller mouth like mine, a smaller brush head is key to getting into all those nooks and crannies.

And handles? Don't even get me started. Some are long, some are short, and some even have funky angles. But here's the thing: it's the bristles that do all the heavy lifting. Dentists say it's those bristles that kick bacteria to the curb and scrape away plaque, which, by the way, is like the enemy of healthy teeth.

Soft bristles? They're the MVPs—gentle yet effective. Hard bristles, on the other hand, can be a bit too aggressive and might even damage your teeth over time.

Now, here's the gross part: using the same brush for ages. Seriously, guys, that's a hygiene no-no. I get it; some brushes seem to last forever, but trust me, they're not meant to. If your brush starts looking like it's been through a war—discolored, bent, or just plain nasty—it's time to let it go. Chuck it in the trash and grab a fresh one. Your teeth will thank you for it!

 
I am currently using the Curvy Bamboo Toothbrushes (6 pack). The handles of the toothbrushes are made from natural and biodegradable bamboo, making them a great alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes that can take hundreds of years to decompose. They help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on your toothbrush. The soft bristles, as recommended by dentists, gently clean your teeth and gums without causing any irritation. Available in adult and kids sizes as a single purchase or annual subscription.

Dentists suggest replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, but I switch mine every 2 months, and sometimes even after just 1 month, especially since I've dealt with past dental problems that are now resolved.

For those still grappling with dental issues, opt for extra soft brushes to prevent discomfort and swap them out every two weeks. During this time, soak your brush in warm water with a pinch of salt to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned after rinsing.

 
You should brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time. But if you're late for school or work or you want to get to bed, once in a while, you need to cut that brushing short. If you find it difficult to concentrate and brush for 2 minutes and you find yourself wanting to check your phone, which can distract your brushing process, here is what you should do: Put a 2-minute song on your phone and brush until the song is finished. That way, you are sure of completing your brush time without distractions. Do not sing while brushing.

Stop brushing so hard. You do not need to brush so hard for your teeth to be clean. I am guilty of this as well, but the best way to stop this is to take away the mental issues of'scrub’ and'scrub brush’ and replace them with the word'massage.’

A lot of people brush the wrong way, and over the years, they get used to it. So this post is a reminder that you should start from the gum and go up and down in little circular, up-and-down motions. If you do it wrong, it won’t help you.

Don't overlook your gum line—it's a crucial area that many people tend to forget. Bacteria love to hang out where your tooth meets your gum, and we often miss cleaning that spot.

There's about a millimeter of gum tissue where your tooth peeks out from your gum. You'll want to gently brush underneath, just about a millimeter or maybe 2 or 3 millimeters, right at the gum line. That's where the bristles need to bend to reach. We tend to focus more on the chewing surface, neglecting the gum line. So, don't forget to give your gums some attention while brushing.

Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too. That’ll get rid of the bacteria. Everybody gets the outside of their teeth, the part people can see. And everybody brushes the chewing surfaces, too.

So, what's the best toothpaste for you? Well, go for fluoride toothpaste—it's like a superhero for your teeth, strengthening them and keeping decay at bay. Dentists recommend it for both kids and adults. Some toothpaste brands even pack in triclosan, a tough chemical that fights off oral bacteria. Research shows it can even ease gum swelling (gingivitis) and prevent plaque buildup.

Got sensitive teeth? Look out for toothpaste with potassium nitrate. This stuff seals up those tiny gaps in your teeth, shielding the nerve inside from pesky triggers like hot drinks or ice cream. If your teeth feel sensitive, it might mean your enamel's a bit worn down, leaving your pearly whites vulnerable. So, watch out for grinding and those acidic foods and drinks—they can chip away at your enamel, too.

Besides, have you tried toothpaste tablets? The future of sustainable oral care: innovative, zero-waste Toothpaste tablets offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toothpaste. Crafted with biodegradable and vegan ingredients, these tabs are gentle on both your teeth and the planet. Enhanced with fluoride for optimal cavity and decay protection, they leave your mouth feeling fresh and healthy. Toothpaste tablets are revolutionizing the way we think about oral hygiene. Compact, convenient, and eco-friendly, these innovative products are transforming routines worldwide.

Do not share your toothbrush with anyone to prevent cross-contamination and for hygiene sake.

A good, thorough brushing, flossing, and rinsing once a day does wonders.

A big mistake we often make with our oral care is jumping right into brushing after a meal. Picture this: You've just chowed down, and now your mouth's all acidic. If you start scrubbing away with your toothbrush right away, you're basically giving that acid a free pass to erode your enamel. So, give it a breather for about 15 or 20 minutes. Let your saliva do its thing and neutralize that acid. Or, if you're impatient like me, a quick rinse with water can help wash away some of the acid before you brush. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way toward keeping your smile sparkling.

Don't go rinsing with water right after you brush. After you've brushed, spit out any excess toothpaste, but hold off on the rinse for a bit. See, rinsing too soon washes away all that fluoride in the toothpaste that's still working its magic. You want that fluoride to stick around and keep your teeth strong and protected. Trust me, skipping the rinse can really up your dental game and keep your smile shining bright.

And last but not least, remember to pop on a toothbrush case cover. We can't keep doing things the same old way and expect our teeth to stay in top shape. Your toothbrush goes right into your mouth, so it's worth giving it some protection, right? Especially when you're traveling, grab yourself a toothbrush travel case, preferably one made from naturally antibacterial bamboo. It's all about keeping things clean and hygienic, even on the go.

Make sure to schedule a dental checkup at least once every 12 months. However, if you've had dental issues before, it's best to aim for twice a year. Keeping tabs on your dental health can save you a lot of trouble down the line.