It does not have to cost a lot to take care of your teeth. You can improve your oral care routine with a few easy changes and small expenses.
Here are some inexpensive ways to keep your smile healthy, ranging from how you brush your teeth to what you eat. A dentist in Powell, TN, can help you keep your smile healthy and bright if you want professional help.
Choose the right toothbrush.
A good toothbrush is the most important part of good oral care. Whether you like an electric or a manual one, you should change it every three to four months. The bristles on an old toothbrush will not clean your teeth well and may even hurt your gums.
An electric toothbrush can clean your teeth better, but not everyone needs one. If you use them the right way, manual toothbrushes can still work. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to keep your gums from getting hurt.
Select the best toothpaste.
Toothpaste can make a big difference in how healthy your teeth stay. A lot of people are interested in whitening or specialty toothpaste, but regular fluoride toothpaste works just as well.
Fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and helps keep diseases away. More expensive options may claim to offer more benefits, but basic fluoride toothpaste is a good choice that will not break the bank. If your teeth are sensitive, you can also try toothpaste for sensitive teeth or gums.
Do not skip flossing.
People forget to floss a lot, but it is one of the best ways to keep gum disease and teeth rot at bay. When you floss, you get rid of food and bacteria stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush can not reach.
Many cheap floss picks make regular floss easy to use if you find it hard to handle. Make sure you remember to floss every day, ideally before bed.
Use mouthwash for extra protection.
Mouthwash does more than just clean your mouth. It can also kill germs and keep plaque from building up. Try to find an over-the-counter cleanser that is good for your gums and kills germs.
Even though mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing or flossing, adding it to your routine can help protect your teeth even more. There are a lot of cheap mouthwashes out there, and some even have choices for specific problems, like protecting against cavities or gum disease.
Do not forget to stay hydrated.
Drinking a lot of water is important for your oral health. Plaque and cavities are less likely to happen because water helps wash away food bits and germs. It also helps your mouth keep making saliva, which naturally fights off bacteria that could be dangerous.
A simple and free way to help keep your teeth clean is to drink water throughout the day. If you like sugary drinks or beers, try drinking water instead to keep your teeth from getting worn down by acid.
Get regular dental checkups.
Going to the dentist regularly is important for long-term oral health because it helps find problems early on before they get worse and costs a lot to fix. A lot of dentists offer payment plans and sliding scale fees that are easy on the wallet, even if you do not have insurance.
There are also neighborhood centers that charge less. To keep your oral health in good shape, you should get a checkup once a year.
Eat a balanced diet for better teeth.
For good oral health, you need to eat a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals; instead of snacks and drinks that are high in sugar and can lead to cavities, eat more fruits and veggies like celery, apples, and carrots. Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items are good for your teeth because they contain calcium.
Making small, constant changes, like buying the right toothbrush, using good toothpaste, brushing every day, and making simple habits, can help you keep up a healthy oral care practice.
