Five Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Teeth (and Gums) Clear All Year

By Erica Laceria on Jan 28, 2015 @ 01:47 PM

Many of us don’t take note of the foods and drinks we consume daily and how they can hinder our oral health and the appearance of our mouth. Becoming more aware of the effects of these choices can really make all the difference. You can improve with a few small tweaks. So, let’s look at how you can keep your teeth clean and clear all year:

1. Drink tea

There are ingredients, such as flavonoids, in tea that can help teeth stay clean and free from harmful bacteria that is prone to stick on them. There are elevated levels of fluoride in tea which will keep your gums feeling and looking fresh. Having one cup of tea daily is enough to take advantage of this helpful tip and notice a difference in your oral hygiene and overall health.

2. Know your pigmented drinks

There are certain items we consume on a regular basis that can leave visual residue on our pearly whites. Many of us like to enjoy our daily morning coffee, or a glass of red wine with our dinner. We’re not here to tell you to cut these items out completely but be conscious of the amount you are consuming. If you’re a coffee-aholic and must have your standard three cups a day, carry a toothbrush with you and try brushing shortly after you’re done!

3. Watch your sugar intake

You’ve been hearing the same thing since you were a kid – candy is no good for your teeth! Why is that? Because it’s loaded with sugar, which once attached to your teeth, becomes oral plaque that’s difficult to remove. Sugary candies, foods and drinks can and will wear away the enamel on your teeth, making them lose their shine. And over time they work to deteriorate your teeth as a whole – especially if you don’t brush and floss properly.

4. Get more water and clean foods in your system

Water is not only good for the body as a whole, but it also serves as an oral cleanser. Drinking water frequently will flush away bacteria you may have hanging on your teeth. Take it a step further and try munching on foods and snacks that promote squeaky clean teeth throughout the day. Apples, celery, and carrots are a few options for you to consider. Put this suggestion into play, and your smile will be looking fabulous.

5. Clean your tongue

Whenever you brush your teeth, take an extra minute to clean your tongue as well. Your tongue touches everything you put in your mouth and holds saliva, which also has its own set of bacteria in it. Not only will you be eliminating bacteria, but you will also be freshening your breath in the process! FYI, using a tongue scraper is the most effective method.