Gentle dental care is a must for all, both young and old. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems, especially among children, teenagers and older adults. Indulge in gentle dental care and protect your teeth from cavities, tooth loss and infected or inflamed gums.

Proper teeth and gum care does not require excessive time and money. Daily habits of good oral hygiene is all the trick you need for durability of your teeth and your overall good health.

Here’s how to care for your teeth

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your tooth brush can’t reach. Rinse your mouth properly after eating anything.

Use a soft bristled tooth brush to prevent damage to the enamel. The toothbrush should be placed against the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Using short gentle back, forth and small circular motions, all tooth surfaces should be gently brushed.

Clean your tongue daily with a tongue cleaner or use toothbrush to do a light brushing of the tongue.

Avoid eating for 30 minutes after brushing your teeth.

Change your toothbrush after every three months

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco trigger gum disease and oral cancer. Avoid them completely.

Provide your body with all the nutrients necessary for oral protection. Vitamin A and C are the most crucial ones required for tooth and gum defence.

Visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth in top shape. A dental check-up can also detect poor nutrition, hygiene, growth and development of other teeth related problems. Provide your doctor with your complete medical history even if it seems unrelated to your dental health.

Certain foods are bad for your teeth. Simple sugars, sticky sweet candies, carbonated drinks, chocolates, cookies and junk food can cause tooth decay. When bacteria feeds on sugar, they produce acids which eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Fermented carbohydrates containing starches should also be consumed with caution.

Chewing raw fruits and vegetables like apple and carrot can actually keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Drink plenty of water to keep your teeth clean, sparkling and strong.

Tooth decay can be painful and lead to fillings, crowns or other inlays. If tooth decay is not treated, the nerve of the tooth can become infected and die, causing an abscess. Bad teeth condition hampers your ability to eat health food. Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive. Your teeth give him signals if you are at risk of chronic disease. Oral health mirrors the well-being of your body.