Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Some people are lucky enough to have naturally strong teeth and some are not. Either way, good dental hygiene matters every day, because adult teeth have to last a lifetime.

The good news is that keeping teeth healthy is easier than it was a few decades ago. The bad news is that their main enemy, tooth decay, is as persistent as ever. Here is how to keep it at bay.

Brush properly, twice a day

Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, for about two minutes each time. There are several techniques, but a simple routine covers everything:

1. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
2. Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
3. Clean the chewing surfaces.
4. Brush your tongue for fresher breath.

Floss every day

Flossing removes food and plaque from between the teeth, where a brush cannot reach. Left there, it leads to decay and gum disease. To floss properly:

1. Wind about 18 inches (45 cm) of floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a short length between them.
2. Hold it tight between your thumbs and index fingers.
3. Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Never snap it down onto the gums.
4. Curve the floss around the side of each tooth and slide it up and down, just under the gum line.
5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Interdental brushes or a water flosser are good alternatives if you find floss difficult.

Eat well

A healthy diet helps your teeth as much as the rest of you. Cut down on sugary food and drinks such as soft drinks, cakes and pastries, and especially on sipping or snacking on them throughout the day. Water is the best drink between meals.

See a dentist regularly

Brushing cannot fix decay that has already started. Regular check-ups and cleanings catch problems while they are small and cheap to treat.

More health advice: simple tips to improve your sleep.