10 habits that will preserve a white smile

A radiant smile is an indicator of health. But over time, enamel wears out and teeth become less snow-white. Dentists have compiled a list of products and habits that will help maintain healthy teeth.

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

Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are a must, and it is recommended that you include the following good habits:

Reduce carbohydrate intake

Limit your consumption of sweets, because the sugar they contain is bacteria's favorite food. Ultimately, the remains of sweets turn into a sticky film that coats the teeth, and this becomes an excellent environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. Products such as bread, cookies, and crackers are also dangerous - they "glue" themselves into the cracks between the teeth and hard-to-reach places - this is where the bacterial outbreak occurs.

When you shouldn't brush your teeth

If you have drunk acidic drinks, you should not brush your teeth immediately. Acid corrodes the surface of the teeth, and if you brush them immediately, you can damage the top layer of enamel. Frequent repetition of such situations - drinking acidic food or drinks and immediately brushing your teeth - can provoke the appearance of erosion, which is visible to the naked eye.

Increase your vitamin C intake

Vitamin C is the body’s building block, helping to hold all your cells together. Plus, you’ll be doing your skin a favor, too. Dentist Paula Shannon Jones, a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, says people who consume less than 60 mg of vitamin C a day are 25 percent more likely to develop gum disease. Try eating more citrus fruits, which are high in this vitamin.

Tea

Antioxidants are good for your gums. Black and green tea contain polyphenols, antioxidant plant compounds that prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Tea can also help prevent bad breath by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause it.

Drink through a straw

Colored drinks such as coffee and wine stain tooth enamel, so try to if not give up their consumption, then at least reduce it and drink through a straw to limit their contact with your teeth. The same applies to carbonated drinks containing sugar and acid, which corrode the enamel.

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Increase your calcium intake

Calcium is essential for strong bones. Teeth need this element too. People who get at least 800 mg of calcium per day are less likely to develop severe gum disease and tooth decay. Don't give up dairy products, as they are the main sources of calcium.

Take care of your teeth in the pool

It sounds a bit strange, but dental research suggests that excessively chlorinated pool water can undermine dental health. Chlorine can weaken the defense against bacteria and cause enamel erosion. So try to keep water out of your mouth and don’t brush your teeth right after swimming, because chlorine softens the enamel and your toothbrush can damage it.

Eat apples

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

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Kissing is good for your teeth

This is probably the most pleasant procedure. Passionate kisses increase the flow of saliva, which in turn neutralizes acids from food particles and protects against caries. Saliva also helps enamel to recover, making it resistant to diseases.

Eat whole grains

Whole grain products contain iron and vitamin B, which help keep gums healthy. Scientists conducted studies involving 34,000 people who were monitored for 14 years. Those who ate at least three servings of whole grain products daily were 23% less likely to suffer from periodontitis.