Often we ponder over the possible ways of getting a healthy smile displaying sparkling white healthy teeth. The eyes are often considered to be the windows to the soul. On similar lines the teeth can also be regarded as the doors to the soul. So, a lot of care needs to be taken to ensure a healthy smile and insure healthy teeth.

Since historical times man has learned the importance of taking care of teeth. Some Sumerian tablets dating back to the period of 5,000 B.C. provide evidence that the ancient people took lot of care for their dental health. They even used toothbrushes prepared from tree branches.

Importance of getting healthy teeth

Apart from the cosmetic value of possessing shining white teeth there is also the more important functional utilities of teeth - chewing, grinding and tearing food to facilitate eating. Dental health and oral well being also serves as a parameter of internal health. A person having diseases like diabetes may also have unhealthy teeth.

Hurdles in the way of a healthy smile

Inadequate care towards upkeep of dental hygiene may result in a number of problems related to your tooth. These can take your healthy smile away. Some such tooth problems are tooth decay, tooth injuries and toothaches. Tooth decay is mainly caused by sugar and plaque. These are also causative factors for gum disease. Plaque is the build-up of debris and bacteria on the teeth. Tooth injuries may include chipped tooth or lost tooth. Toothaches may be due to a number of reasons. The main reason is formation of tooth cavities.

Ways to overcome the hurdles and get a healthy smile

Brushing the teeth properly using small circular motion twice a day helps get rid of sugar and plaque formation. Brushing similarly after meals is also beneficial. Rinsing the mouth also helps. Otherwise chewing an apple or sugarless gum also helps cleanse the teeth. The plaque formed between teeth and below gums may be effectively removed by flossing before going to bed.

Toothpastes having fluoride is preferable. This is assimilated into the teeth thereby enabling them to become more strong and resistant to decay. It also kills bacteria. It is advisable to change the toothbrushes after every 3-4 months since the edges get frayed.

Sugary and gummy substances like raisins should be consumed with meals and soon after good rinsing of the mouth is required. These feed bacteria in mouth and encourage tooth decay.

An effort can be made to re-implant lost tooth if it is brought to the dentist within an hour or so placed in glass of milk or saliva. Chipped tooth can be repaired by cosmetic bonding agents. These cosmetic agents need to match the rest of the teeth.

Toothaches cannot just be ignored and for this you need to avoid cold and chewy foods. A dentist should be consulted for advice. Recurrent toothaches are a cause of concern and the reason for the problem needs to be ascertained and attended to in time.

Steps to take to maintain a healthy smile

Visiting a doctor twice every year is required for looking after your dental and oral health. Brushing twice everyday for 2-3 minutes in gradual circular movements helps maintain the health of teeth. Flossing at bedtime daily and rinsing the mouth properly after meals and even brushing if possible promotes hygiene of teeth and mouth. If there are sores or growths in your mouth which are not healing up within two weeks then a dentist's help is to be sought. You need to approach a dentist and carry out necessary diagnosis if there is a persistent pain in teeth and gums or jaws. Following these with dedication can go a long way to maintain your healthy smile for a long, long time.

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