Have you ever really given your teeth any thought? They’re important not just for your smile, but for chewing, speaking, and maintaining your facial structure. Your dental professional wants you to know that the only way to protect your mouth against tooth loss is through good oral hygiene and following these five chewing tips.
Chew Sugarless Gum for 20 Minutes
Chewing sugarless gum for at least 20 minutes after eating may help reduce dental decay, according to dental experts. However, it has less to do with the ingredients in the sugarless gum and more to do with the flow of saliva.
It’s long been known that saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes the acids in your mouth. Additionally, saliva carries calcium and phosphate, which help to strengthen tooth enamel.
Be sure when choosing sugarless gum you select one that carries the American Dental Association Seal of approval. That ensures it contains non-cavity causing sweeteners.
Gnaw on Carrots after Eating
There may be some truth to that old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” according to dental experts. It seems that foods that are firm or crisp can actually help clean your teeth.
Specifically, some dental experts suggest that carrots, celery, and apples appear to act as natural abrasives scrubbing away plaque and helping to fight stains. Additionally, some say that these foods stimulate the gums and saliva to help improve oral hygiene.
So if you’re looking for a way to maintain your smile (and your waistline), you may just want to add more carrots, celery, and apples to your diet.
Munch on a Hunk of Cheese
Are you looking for a way to fight the acid that eats away at your teeth? Try chewing on a hunk of cheese after a meal. Dental experts recommend cheddar.
Cheese contains alkali, which acts as a neutralizing agent. It also contains calcium and vitamins to strengthen teeth and enamel while it balances the pH in your mouth.
Avoid Chewing Ice
Although scientifically speaking, your teeth are not bones, they are one of the hardest substances in your body. That’s probably why so many think nothing of using them to chew ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels.
Unfortunately, unlike bones, teeth don’t heal or grow back together if they are broken. Therefore, it’s important to refrain from exposing them to excessive wear and tear. Too much stress can wear down the enamel, cause stress fractures, or chip your teeth. The result may be sensitivity to hot and cold or dental problems only your dental professional can fix.
Resist Using Your Teeth as a Tool
Using your teeth for anything other than chewing your food can damage them. That includes untying knots, removing lids, opening packages, breaking thread, and chewing on the end of your pencil. Protect your teeth by keeping scissors, bottle openers, and other tools within reach.
Your teeth need to last you a lifetime. Take care of them and they will. If you have any questions, talk to your dental care professional.