Want a pearly white smile that is clean and healthy? Here’s how to achieve it.

Almost four billion people worldwide are affected by oral disease. We all know that it’s important to develop good oral health habits from a young age, but not everyone will keep it up. Your eating habits, brushing technique, and food choices will all affect the state of your smile.

A bright smile is warm, inviting, and creates a great first impression, so it’s worth investing time and effort to achieve sparkly teeth. Whether you’re looking to maintain or improve your teeth and gum health, keep reading to find out more.

(Also read: 3 Ways To Keep Your Smile Pretty and Healthy)

Foods to eat

The phrase “you are what you eat” is often used, and it applies to teeth too. Eating a healthy balanced diet will give your body the essential nutrients to strengthen your teeth enamel.

Drinking green tea fortifies the enamel and prevents plaque build-up as it contains fluoride. Fruits that contain vitamin C reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of gum diseases. Dairy products contain calcium that rebuild your teeth enamel. Pair them with vitamin D-rich foods to help your body absorb calcium better.

Eating fibre-rich vegetables like carrots and celery will give your teeth a good “scrub”, similar to how your toothbrush does it.

(Also read: 10 Foods For Brighter Teeth and a Healthier Smile)

What to avoid

Highly acidic drinks like soft drinks, citrus juices, vinegar, and even white wine can damage your enamel when you drink too much. Starchy foods like cereal, bread, and biscuits cause sugars and acid to form in your mouth. Hard foods like ice might also chip and crack your teeth.

(Also read: Can Wine Promote Better Oral Health?)

Best tips for healthy teeth

Stick to regular meal times, and avoid constant snacking, as your saliva takes time to neutralise the acids in your mouth. Consuming acid-neutralising foods after a sweet meal, such as milk, can help to prevent cavities.

Water is important to keep you hydrated and your body functioning properly, and it is equally important for good oral health. Water helps to wash away food that is stuck on your teeth.

(Also read: 5 Foods For Healthier Gums)

How to brush your teeth well

You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended that you wait 30 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth. Choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth, and do not brush too hard as that can damage your teeth too. Don’t forget to brush your tongue.

Electric toothbrushes like the Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Sonic electric toothbrush will give you additional information and guidance on oral health. It also allows you to track your brushing. You can also use a normal toothbrush, or an eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush for an affordable alternative.

Visit your dentist regularly to nip any teeth or gum issues in the bud.

(Also read: 8 Common Mistakes You Make While Brushing Your Teeth)