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If you want good overall health, you need to take care of your teeth. Unhealthy teeth can cause serious health issues. For that reason, you need to take your oral health seriously. Follow these five tips for looking after your teeth and you can maintain your overall health.

1. Brush and Floss Frequently

Brushing and flossing frequently is one of the keys to great oral health. After you eat food, some food particles remain in your mouth. The only way to prevent them from accumulating is to brush and floss your teeth frequently.

You should brush your teeth at least two times every day. For the best results, do so after your meals. Make sure that you take your time to brush and reach all the hard-to-reach areas. If it’s not taking you between two and three minutes to brush, you’re not doing your job.

2. Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acid wears at your teeth. When you eat or drink acidic food, the enamel of your teeth starts to wear away. The acid tears down the minerals that protect your teeth. Because the enamel protects your teeth from harmful bacteria, this makes your teeth likely to start decaying. It also can lead to tooth sensitivity.

To avoid damaging your tooth enamel, limit your intake of acidic food and drinks. Stay away from foods like citrus fruits and sour candies. You should also avoid lemonade, lime juices, and cordials.

3. Only Use Your Teeth for Chewing

Some people use their teeth as versatile tools. For example, you might use your teeth to crack nuts, open plastic packaging, an open bottle caps. Although you might like the multi-purpose nature of your teeth, they aren’t meant for anything but chewing.

When you use your teeth for other purposes, you place more wear on them. You also risk chipping your teeth. In any case, you should do what you can to protect them.

4. Use the Right Tools

If you want to keep your teeth healthy, you need the right tools. First, you need an appropriate toothbrush. It should have a small head that can reach your back teeth. To avoid unnecessary wear and gum damage, you should buy a brush with soft bristles.

Even your toothpaste should be up for the job. Fluoridated toothpaste strengthens your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay.

For some extra protection, you can splurge and get tools like an electric toothbrush or water pick. They can be expensive, but they can also save you money on dental procedures.

5. Get Regular Check-Ups

Preventative dentistry is one of the best ways to look after your oral health. When you visit a dentist for a check-up, they can examine your mouth. If you have any signs of trouble, they can advise you on what to do. You might be able to prevent a major procedure.

If you want to maintain your oral health, you should visit your dentist at least twice each year. You check-up should also include a teeth cleaning, which gets rid of any lingering plaque. With a little preventative care, you can avoid issues like cavities and root canals.