Here are 10
secrets for keeping your pearly whites in tip-top shape.
Source: http://www.readersdigest.ca
1. Chuck your toothbrush
Your
Toothbrush or change the head of your electric
toothbrush at least every two to three months. Otherwise, you’re just
transferring bacteria to your mouth, which is bad and not healthy. According to
Beverly Hills dentist Harold Katz, D.D.S., the best way to brush is by placing
your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and gently moving it in
a circular motion, rather than a back-and-forth motion. Grip the toothbrush
like a pencil so you won’t scrub too hard.
2. Go on a white-teeth diet
If
you’re drinking red wine and black tea, or smoking cigarettes, expect the
results to show up as not-so-pearly whites. Other culprits to blame for dingy
teeth include colas, gravies, and dark juices. If you eat dark food, it
will probably stain your teeth. Brush immediately after eating or drinking
foods that stain teeth and use a good bleaching agent, either over-the-counter
or in the dentist’s office. For very useful teeth-cleaning action, eat an
apple.
3. Clean your tongue
When
you woke up in the morning and brushing your teeth use a tongue scraper to
remove tongue plaque and freshen your breath.
One major cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue, which a
daily
tongue scraping will help banish. Plus, using a tongue scraper is more
effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush, says Dr. Katz.
4. Eat ‘detergent’ foods
Crisp
or firm food can help
clean teeth as they’re eaten. We already mentioned apples (otherwise
known as nature’s toothbrush); more choices include raw carrots, celery, and
popcorn. For best results, make ‘detergent’ foods the final food you eat in
your meal if you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth right after eating.
5. Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week
Use
baking
soda just as you would toothpaste. You can also use salt as an
alternative toothpaste. It will remove stains and whiten your teeth. Just be
sure to spit it out so it doesn’t count as sodium intake! Also, if your
gums start to feel raw, switch to brushing with salt every other day.
6. Gargle with apple cider vinegar
Do
this in the morning and then brush as usual. The vinegar helps help remove
stains, whiten
teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums.
7. Practice flossing with your eyes shut
If
you can floss without having to guide your work with a mirror, you can floss in
your car, at your desk, while in bed, and before important meetings. In which
case, buy several packages
of floss and scatter them in your car, your desk, your purse, your
briefcase, your nightstand.
8. Stay fresh
If
you want to check the freshness
of your breath, lick your palm and smell it while it’s still wet. If
you smell something, it’s time for a sugar-free breath mint. Shopping for
mouthwash? Make sure it is alcohol-free. Most over-the-counter mouthwashes have
too much alcohol, which can dry out the tissues in your
mouth, making them more susceptible to bacteria.
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