10 Tips for Healthy Teeth & Gums

Healthy teeth and gums go far beyond just having pretty white teeth. Your teeth play a vital role in your overall well-being, not to mention your confidence. They’re meant to last a lifetime. So, if you’re not treating them well, now’s the time to make some changes. Hopefully, you already have a well-established brushing and flossing routine but just in case, let's review some oral care fundamentals and highlight 10 healthy teeth tips you may not have thought of!

1. You Guessed It... FLOSS

Did you know that many dental professionals say that flossing is MORE important than brushing? That’s right. Flossing daily is the easiest way to remove trapped food and debris from between your teeth rather than just from the surface. Building a flossing habit is crucial since most cavities form between the teeth. Brushing just doesn’t cut it. If you’re trying to prevent cavities then you have to floss. Plus, flossing also stimulates the gums and helps prevent gum disease. If you hate flossing but want to get better at it then the Slate Flosser is the perfect new tool for your medicine cabinet. Jump down to the bottom of this post to learn all about it. 

2. Commit to a Soft-bristled Electric Toothbrush

A few years back I went to the dentist expecting an A+ only to be told that my gums were receding. I was shocked. I was only 26. What did they mean my gums were receding?! Well, it turns out the bristles on my toothbrush were too hard and I was being too aggressive. Here I thought I was doing a great job brushing my teeth for two minutes each morning and night but I was using the wrong tool. I switched to a soft-bristled electric toothbrush and was able to stop my gum recession in its tracks. Using an electric toothbrush allowed me to hover over my teeth and gently clean my gumline. Instead of feeling like I had to scrub hard to get my teeth clean, the oscillating brush head did all the work! It took some time to get used to a new style of brushing but it was absolutely worth the effort. If you haven’t made the switch yet, this is your sign.

3. Learn to Love Your Dentist

People often joke about hating the dentist but honestly, the reason many people feel that way is that they’re not going often enough and their teeth are in rough shape. Your dentist is there to help you not hurt you. Aim to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning. This way if you do have any major issues with your smile, your dentist can catch them early and hopefully prevent any major procedures in the future. If you don’t love your dentist, shop around for a new one! There are so many great dental offices to choose from. You just need to find the right fit.

4. Be Smart With Your Sugar

We’ve all heard sweets can give you cavities but do you know why? When you consume sugar, harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on it and produce acids that attack your teeth. That’s why sugary foods and acidic drinks can cause tooth decay and weaken enamel. Similarly, acidic foods and beverages, like citrus fruits, soda, and wine, can also erode enamel over time. Try to limit how often you’re eating sweet or acidic foods. If that seems impossible, then try eating or drinking your sweets in one sitting rather than slowly throughout the day. It’s better for your teeth! Just don’t forget to rinse your mouth with water afterward.

5. Drink More Water 

Did you set a New Year’s resolution to drink more water? How’s that going so far? Well, if you need another reason to prioritize hydration, it’s great for your oral health! Drinking water after meals helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque buildup. Water also helps neutralize acids in your mouth. The acids in your mouth that come from sugary drinks, coffee, or other treats can eat away at your enamel and damage your teeth. By swishing some water around in your mouth after eating or drinking you can neutralize those acids faster and help prevent enamel erosion.  

6. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

We get that sometimes it’s tempting to use your teeth to rip off a tag, tear open a package, or even pull off a stubborn bottle cap, but you have to resist the urge. It might seem like a quick fix to a small problem but using your teeth as a tool can cause chips, cracks, and other damage that are difficult to fix. The extra few seconds it would take to grab a pair of scissors or bottle opener are well worth the effort if it saves you an expensive trip to the dentist!

7. Combat Teeth Grinding

You may not always know if you grind your teeth, many people grind their teeth at night and don't recognize it until their jaw hurts in the morning. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be caused by stress, anxiety, or misaligned teeth. Over time, grinding can lead to worn-down enamel, tooth sensitivity, and even cracks or chips. If you find yourself grinding your teeth, especially at night, talk to your dentist about getting a custom night guard. In addition to your new night guard, consider trying stress management or relaxation techniques before bed to help reduce teeth grinding.

8. Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol in moderation is generally okay for your overall health, but excessive amounts can actually negatively impact your oral health. Too much alcohol dries out your mouth and reduces saliva flow. Saliva is incredibly important for neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth. If you don’t have the necessary saliva, those acids can cause enamel erosion, particularly when combined with sugary mixers. Remember #4? Stay hydrated to protect your teeth and improve saliva flow. Drinking water alongside your alcohol is a great option to maintain the moisture in your mouth. Your body and teeth will be grateful for it!

9. Chew Xylitol Gum

Believe it or not, gum can help actually improve your oral health! Chewing gum stimulates saliva production which can help wash away food debris and neutralize acids lingering in your mouth. Xylitol gum in particular remineralizes your teeth and prevents cavities by hindering the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. That means that chewing gum a few times a week can actually strengthen your teeth! There are very few fun habits that are actually good for you. So take advantage of this one and buy yourself some xylitol gum. Click here for flavors like cinnamon, wintergreen, bubblegum, and orange/mango.

10. Cut Out Tobacco

If you’re unhappy with your teeth and frequently use tobacco products, then quitting or cutting back should be at the top of your priority list9Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. It also causes bad breath and stains your teeth. Following the tips above will definitely help improve your smile, but if you smoke or use tobacco, the benefits can only go so far. 

11. *Bonus Tip* Buy A Slate Flosser

The Slate Flosser was designed by a dentist to make flossing easier and more effective. It’s meant for people like you and me who have struggled to floss consistently but really want to build the habit. So, how does it help? The Slate Flosser has 5 key features that make flossing a quick and easy part of your nightly routine.

  • Ergonomic Handle: There’s no need to stick your fingers in your mouth anymore! The Slate handle allows you to reach between all of your teeth with minimal effort.

  • Sonic Vibrations: Just like your electric toothbrush, these vibrations stimulate the gums and remove plaque more effectively than regular string floss. With 3 vibration speeds, you can customize Slate to your comfort level. 

  • Woven Floss: Slate uses high-quality woven floss free of wax, PFAS, and PTFE.  

  • Gum Sweeps: Slate gum sweeps clean out the pockets between your teeth and disrupt significantly more bacteria and biofilm than string floss or floss picks. Along with our sonic vibrations, gum sweeps also stimulate the gums while cleaning.

  • Tongue Scraper: Each floss head includes a tongue scraper on the back so that you can finish off your oral care routine with fresh breath. 

We know there’s so much information about oral health online and we’re glad you came here to learn more about how to care for your teeth. Our hope is that you learned something new and feel better prepared to build one or all of these healthy teeth tips into your lifestyle. If want to level up your oral care with a Slate Flosser, click here to head to our product page!