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3 Ways Many People Neglect Their Teeth Between Dental Visits

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When it comes to caring for your teeth and your overall oral health, you may already know to brush and floss regularly. These are certainly the two most important things you can do to keep your teeth and gums in good condition, but they aren't the only things you should be doing between dental visits. Note a few things that many people neglect when it comes to their teeth so you can be sure you're not overlooking these things yourself.

Hydration

Being properly hydrated will keep your whole body healthy; you need lots of water to break down food as you eat, absorb it into your system, and move it through your intestines. Hydration keeps muscles supple and skin soft. However, it also keeps teeth healthy, as proper hydration is needed to produce saliva. Saliva moves bacteria and food particles from the teeth so they don't cling and cause possible tooth decay and gum disease. If your mouth feels consistently dry and you feel thirsty often throughout the day, you need more water. Avoid caffeinated drinks as this might actually cause you to lose hydration, but drink lots of plain water for the sake of your mouth as well as your overall health.

Mouth guards

You don't necessarily need a mouth guard all throughout the day, but it can be helpful to wear a mouth guard when you may put your teeth in danger of being chipped, broken, knocked out, and so on. You may not realize when your mouth is at risk, but consider if debris blow back at you when you're cutting the lawn or chopping wood. If you play light contact sports or even volleyball, tennis, and the like, you might consider a mouth guard. Anytime your teeth are at risk of being hit, even lightly, put in a mouth guard to keep them protected and safe.

Acidic foods

Highly acidic foods can cause damage to the teeth as acids can wear away the enamel, making the teeth more vulnerable to breakage and chipping or cavities. Acidic foods include sodas and citrus fruits. While eating citrus fruits can be very good for your teeth, you don't want to leave the acids of the citrus on your teeth; rinse your mouth with water or brush after eating them so your teeth are protected. If you must drink soda, use a straw so less of it washes past your teeth and causes potential damage.


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