Even though teeth do a lot to keep a person happy and healthy, they often go unappreciated. People neglect to floss, use their teeth as tools, and idly chew on things that can hurt them. Don’t let your teeth feel unloved this Thanksgiving. When everyone at the table is saying what they are grateful for, be sure to keep in mind these reasons why you should appreciate your teeth and employ these tips for keeping them strong and healthy.
Healthy Teeth Help the Rest of You to Stay Healthy
Your teeth play crucial roles in eating and communicating. They allow you to digest a wide variety of foods such as crisp, raw fruits and vegetables, juicy, fibrous meats, and crunchy nuts, allowing you to get all the nutrition you need. They also fill out a beautiful smile so you can broadcast joy and confidence to the people around you. They even play a big part in controlling the flow of vibrating air from your mouth as you speak.
How Can I Show My Teeth How Much I Love Them?
With all the work teeth do for you every day, they deserve a little tender love and care to help them stay healthy, pretty, and strong for the long haul. To do this, you’ll need to:
Practice excellent oral hygiene.
Every day, you should brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. This will clean away plaque and food debris while making your mouth less habitable to the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. It will also make your breath fresh and classy.
See your dentist regularly.
Regular dental appointments provide your teeth with a professional eye that can catch and treat problems in their early stages and provide you with advice on improving your oral hygiene.
Watch what you eat.
Limiting your intake of sugars and acids can protect your teeth from decay and help them feel comfortable in your mouth throughout the day.
Protect your teeth from injury.
Exercise is essential to a healthy body, but contact sports or riding a bike can present risks to your dental health. Many people also slowly wear away their teeth by involuntarily grinding them as they sleep. Be sure to wear a mouthguard from your dentist in these situations to keep your teeth safe.
Considering all the things teeth do for us, they deserve much more credit than they typically get. Showing your teeth some appreciation will help you keep them for the rest of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Dann earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto in 1978 before completing a postgraduate dental internship at Toronto General Hospital in 1979. He serves as a member of the Ontario Dental Association, the Canadian Academy of Dental Anaesthesia, and the American Society of Dental Anaesthesiologists. His office in Toronto, ON offers preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. To schedule an appointment, contact the office online or dial (647) 559-3176.
