Around 3.5 billion people suffer from oral health issues, and many neglect to address them. One reason for this may be the high cost of dental care and the fact that it’s often not covered by insurance, making it a low priority for some. However, there are several steps we can take to maintain healthy teeth before issues arise.

Here are some tips and important facts about dental health that can help you care for your teeth.

1. Brushing after breakfast might make your teeth more sensitive

If you’ve experienced a sharp pain when eating or drinking hot or cold items, this could indicate tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can be caused by thin enamel, and brushing your teeth immediately after eating can worsen this sensitivity. It’s best to brush your teeth before meals to avoid this discomfort.

2. Brushing too hard can lead to receding gums

Our teeth are coated with enamel, which can be damaged by over-brushing. When enamel is worn down, gums can begin to recede, exposing the tooth roots. This can result in the need for treatments like root canals or even tooth extractions. Experts say that 10% to 20% of people worldwide have damaged their gums due to brushing too aggressively.

3. Your diet significantly impacts your dental health

Changing your eating habits can help improve your overall health, and it’s no different for your teeth. A study in The British Medical Journal found that a change in diet can actually reverse tooth decay. We already know that sugary foods cause decay, but altering your diet can help avoid such issues.

• Increase your calcium intake by consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Drink unsweetened beverages like water, unsweetened tea, or fruit smoothies, rather than sugary drinks, which can harm your teeth.

4. Try kaolin clay for whitening your teeth

Applying kaolin clay to your teeth and brushing gently can help whiten them. Just ensure you don’t scrub too hard, and rinse thoroughly with water afterward.

5. Include vitamins and supplements in your diet

In addition to cutting out sweets, incorporating certain vitamins and supplements can support healthy saliva production, which helps fight plaque.

• Whole grains provide iron and vitamin B, and they also contain magnesium, which helps your body absorb calcium for stronger teeth.
• Eating more seafood, such as salmon or tuna, can provide vitamin D, which is essential for strong teeth.

6. Choose low-abrasive toothpaste

Toothpaste needs to be abrasive enough to clean effectively, but too much abrasion can damage enamel. You can test your toothpaste’s abrasiveness by applying a bit on foil, rinsing it with water, and checking for any scratches. More scratches indicate a higher abrasiveness.

7. Chewing sugar-free gum is beneficial for your teeth

It may sound surprising, but chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent cavities. It stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and strengthen enamel.

8. Hold your toothbrush with three fingers

Holding your toothbrush like a pen gives you better control over the pressure you apply. Gripping it too tightly can cause you to over-brush, which can damage your gums and enamel. It’s not the pressure that cleans your teeth, but the bristles working to remove plaque and bacteria effectively.