Month; the campaign reaches more than 50 million people and since its
inception, it has become one of the most effective reminders of the importance
of good oral health. However, not everything is still perfect; in fact, around
25% of people admit they do not brush their teeth twice a day (including 33%
men). A good smile isn’t just an accessory; it is also an indicator of your
overall health. Poor oral health is associated with serious health issues such
as stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
with Martha Stewart. The 74-year old lifestyle guru is serious about her dental
health – a couple of years ago, she live-tweeted her visit to the dentist in
order to take the mystery and the fear out of the dentist for all of her
followers with dental phobia. The author of “Living the Good Long Life” has a
lot to say on the topic of dental hygiene, so let’s take a look at some of her
most useful tips.
Electronic vs. Manual
the bristles properly. So instead of gentle up-and-down strokes, many people
use horizontal back and forth motion. In most cases, this technique erodes the
gums and speeds up tooth wear. According
to Ms. Stewart, the electronic toothbrush does the work for you, so if you want
to play it safe, you should definitely invest in a sonic model.
Everyday Tips
(New York Magazine named him “the Best in New York” for teeth whitening), in
order to keep your teeth white, you should avoid green or blue-tinted
mouthwashes. Colored mouthwashes contain dyes that lead to staining, especially
if they are loaded with alcohol, which makes your teeth more prone to
darkening. In addition, as strange as it
may sound, Layliev recommends that you drink coffee and red vine through a
straw, since these treats contribute to yellowing.
Scrub Your Smile Naturally
your teeth clean. However, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you
forgot your brush, but you still need your teeth cleaned, there are certain
foods that can naturally scrub your smile. Layliev explains, if you can’t
brush, simply munch on fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as lettuce, apples,
broccoli and spinach. Moreover, for fresher breath, grab a couple of
all-natural, bacteria-fighting herbs like cilantro, parsley and mint.
Treating
Sensitive Teeth
that if a cavity or a cracked tooth isn’t the cause of your sensitivity, worn
enamel might be the problem. Worn-down enamel, bleeding and receding gums are
often caused by brushing too hard. If you feel pain every time you snack on
something cold, a trip to the dentist is necessary. The doctor will apply
enamel-strengthening fluoride gel to quell your discomfort, or seal the tooth
root if necessary.
When Not to Brush
you should avoid brushing your teeth for half an hour. However, after drinking
a beverage that contains phosphoric acid (sodas and fruit juices) you should
wait at least an hour before brushing. The acid weakens the enamel and
immediate brushing will remove microscopic amounts of that enamel layer. Instead, drink a couple glasses of water to
dilute the acid and then brush up later.