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10 habits that will keep a snow-white smile

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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19 October 2012, 20:18

A radiant smile is an indicator of health. But over time, the enamel wears out and the teeth become not so white. Dentists have compiled a list of products and habits that will help preserve your dental health.

Of course, the main enemies of tooth enamel are red wine, coffee and cigarettes. But even if you do not smoke and do not use coloring drinks, your teeth still require careful care.

Daily cleaning, dental floss and regular visits to the dentist is a mandatory program, in which it is recommended to include the following good habits:

Reduce carbohydrate intake

Limit the consumption of sweets, because the sugar contained in them is the favorite food of bacteria. Ultimately, the remnants of sweet turn into a sticky film, enveloping teeth and it becomes an excellent environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. Also dangerous are products such as bread, biscuits and crackers - they are "pasted" in the cleft between the teeth and hard-to-reach places - it is where the bacterial meeting takes place.

When you do not need to brush your teeth

In the event that you have drunk acidic drinks, immediately you can not brush your teeth. The acid corrodes the surface of the teeth and if you immediately clean them, you can damage the top layer of the enamel. Frequent repetition of such situations - eating acidic food or drinks and immediately cleaning teeth - can provoke the appearance of erosion, which is not visible to the armed eye.

Increase the intake of vitamin C

10 products and good habits that will preserve a snow-white smile

Vitamin C is a building cement for the body, which helps to keep all the cells together. In addition, you will do a good deed not only for the teeth, but for the skin. Dentist Paul Shannon Jones, a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, says that people who eat less than 60 mg of vitamin C per day are 25% more prone to gum disease. Try to eat more citrus with a high content of this vitamin.

Tea

Antioxidants are useful for gums. Black and green tea contain polyphenols, antioxidant compounds of plants that prevent plaque from clinging to the teeth, and also reduce the risk of caries and gum disease. Also, tea will help to avoid bad breath, suppressing the growth of bacteria, which are its cause.

Drink through a straw

Coloring drinks, such as coffee and wine, color the tooth enamel, so try if you do not refuse to use them, then at least cut and drink through the straw to limit their contact with the teeth. The same applies to carbonated drinks containing sugar and acid, which corrode enamel.

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Increase calcium intake

Calcium is necessary for the bones to be strong. Teeth also need this element. People who get at least 800 mg of calcium per day are less likely to develop severe gum and caries diseases. Do not give up dairy products, because these are the main sources of calcium.

Take care of your teeth in the pool

This sounds a little strange, but dental research suggests that excessively chlorinated water in the pool can undermine your dental health. Chlorine can weaken the protection against bacteria and cause erosion of the enamel. Therefore, try not to get water into your mouth, and do not brush your teeth immediately after visiting the pool, because chlorine softens the enamel and the toothbrush can damage it.

Eat apples

And also celery and carrots, which replace the toothbrush, cleaning teeth from plaque. Dentists say that the regular use of these products can improve the color of the teeth.

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Kisses are useful for teeth

Probably, this is the most pleasant procedure. Passionate kisses increase the influx of saliva, which, in turn, neutralizes acids from food particles and protects against caries. Also saliva helps the enamel to recover, making it resistant to diseases.

Eat whole grains

10 products and good habits that will preserve a snow-white smile

The goal-grain products contain iron and vitamin B, which help keep the gums healthy. Scientists have conducted research involving 34,000 people, followed by observation for 14 years. Those who ate at least three servings of whole grains daily, 23% were less likely to suffer periodontitis.

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