Beyond Brushing

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy All Day Long

Taking good care of your teeth isn't restricted to the time you spend in the bathroom. Did you know you can work toward healthy teeth all day long? Here are some easy ways to extend your healthy habits beyond the morning bathroom routine.

Be mindful of sweet snacks

Plaque reacts to the sugar you eat by producing acids that attack your tooth enamel and gums. To minimize plaque build-up, try to eat sugar-rich foods only at mealtimes. This way, the other foods in your meal can help cleanse and protect your teeth and gums.

Get a night time mouth guard

One of the many ways chronic stress manifests in the body is teeth grinding (also known as "bruxism"). Do it long enough and you can wear down your enamel, exposing the sensitive inner layers of your teeth

Chew sugar-free gum

Studies show chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. This action boosts saliva production, which helps wash away food debris and remineralize enamel.

Wash food down with water or milk

If you have sensitive teeth, you might experience pain after eating and drinking certain foods. To best protect your teeth, avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after eating. Instead, drink water or milk to reduce sensitivity and protect your teeth from further enamel loss.

Eat crunchy vegetables

Munching on veggies like celery, carrots, or cauliflower can help clean your teeth, and they are lower in acidity than crunchy fruit. Because they require a lot of chewing, eating crunchy vegetables stimulates saliva production, which also neutralizes bacteria.

Tend to your teeth after swimming

Swimming pools often contain a lot of chlorine, and that makes the water highly acidic. If you’re a frequent swimmer, the pool water could be affecting your teeth. Keep on swimming for fun and health, but remember to brush your teeth or use a fluoride rinse 30 minutes after swimming.

Protect your teeth when excercising

Nearly 5 million teeth are knocked out each year, mostly due to sports-related accidents. This kind of trauma to your gum tissues can lead to gum recession and sensitivity. Evaluate your risk level and protect your teeth accordingly - try wearing a mouth guard when playing sports and good quality boots when hiking in snow.

Learn More: Daily Teeth Care Guide