World Oral Health Day: 5 Ways to a Maintain a Healthy Smile 

 

Smile big because it’s World Oral Health Day! Our teeth do so much for us like biting, chewing, talking, and letting us grin as much as we’d like. It is our responsibility to take care of our teeth so that we can continue to savor the food we eat and confidently smile at what makes us happy for many years to come. 

 

Here are 5 ways you can maintain a healthy smile! 

 

1. Eat a well-balanced diet. 

Did you know that your diet affects your oral health as well? Even the body parts needed to chew your food need proper care and attention through healthy eating. Foods rich in calcium like dairy products, leafy greens, and legumes are known to promote bone health– so eat these regularly to keep your teeth strong. Don’t forget to throw in foods with good amounts of fiber, protein and vitamin C since these nutrients are also beneficial to your overall oral health. 

 

 

2. Brush and floss regularly. 

Just like how we clean our bodies in bathing, our teeth need to be cleaned too! More than just saving you from a bout of bad breath, brushing and flossing your teeth will do wonders for your teeth and the rest of your mouth in the long run. You should brush your teeth for two minutes at least two times a day after meals. Flossing is often forgotten, but especially important because there can be bits and pieces of food between your teeth that our toothbrush might not have gotten rid of. These two important tasks only take a few minutes of your day, so make brushing and flossing a habit! 

 

3. Visit your dentist regularly for check up and cleaning. 

Visiting your dentist can seem scary at first, especially if it is your first time having a check-up and cleaning. However, it is very important that you go to the dentist regularly to make sure your teeth are in good condition and to find out from an expert how you can improve your habits to achieve optimum oral health. 

 

4. Limit sugar intake. 

We all have sugar cravings from time to time such as wanting ice cream or a slice of cake, but it’s really important to make sure we’re not consuming too much of it. Too much sugar not only encourages tooth decay but it’s also bad for our overall health! Opt to consume more food and drinks that contain natural sugars like fruits if you have a craving or to just portion out your sweets to an appropriate amount, so as to not cause a sugar overload.  

 

 

5. Stay hydrated. 

 Aside from protecting our bodies from thirst and subsequent dehydration, water is also an underrated protector for our teeth. While we use it to rinse our mouths when brushing our teeth, it also provides care for our teeth when we drink it. It promotes saliva production and gets rid of bacteria that contributes to cavities. Additionally, water has no sugar in it, so it is a much better option than consuming sugary drinks that are more likely to lead to tooth decay. 

 

 

 

Taking care of your teeth is important, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating or confusing to understand. One of the ways you can better comprehend and appreciate the process of maintaining oral health is to enlighten yourself about the parts of your teeth. Watch this short clip from Sineskwela to learn more about how those mighty chompers break down your food:  

 

Did we miss any important tips to help you maintain your smile? What else do you do to keep your teeth healthy and strong? Share this article with your thoughts and let loved ones know that you care about their smile! 

 

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