Having healthy teeth and gums takes a little extra effort than just brushing them once a day. Strong teeth should not be taken for granted, especially as you age. 

Common dental complaints include issues such as sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, dry mouth due to medications and painful gums. No matter what your age, proper dental care is essential throughout the lifetime. 

Here are some tips that can help you build effective oral care habits:

1.   Foods like yogurt, soybeans and cheese are known to be effective in keeping your teeth strong. Your teeth and gums are made up of calcium, so it is vital to keep it solid. You can try having yogurt topped with fresh fruits and whole-grain cereal for breakfast to start your day off the right way.     

2.   Vitamin D helps us absorb the calcium in our body. You can check your Vitamin D level with a simple blood test. If the results are low, try engaging in more outdoor activities and exercises. The sun’s rays are a great source of Vitamin D. Participating in outdoor activities can help you maintain the essential levels.

3.   Diets that lack Vitamin C can cause serious dental problems, such as bleeding gums and weak teeth. In order to improve your body’s capability to fight those damaging signs, along with plaque, eat salad with citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or orange. Make sure you consume citrus fruits along with your meal, as their acid content can lead to eroding tooth enamel.

4.   Foods that are high in sugar like candy, can convert to acids in your mouth leading to damaging decay. Avoiding sugary foods is crucial in ensuring good dental health.

5.   Saliva is one of the body’s stronger means of battling bacteria. Eating food that boosts saliva production can help your body to effectively fight bacteria. Tart or sour foods like lemons, cherries, limes and cranberries can help. Drinking water or eating foods that have higher water content can also help you fight the decay process.

6.   Brush and floss your teeth twice, every day. Brushing and flossing after dinner can also help curb midnight snack cravings.

7.   If you can’t find the time to floss during the day, eat hard, crunchy foods, such as carrots and apples. These can help clean your teeth naturally.

8.   Use a mouthwash or water to rinse out your mouth after every meal. This practice will help kill germs.

9.   Even if your teeth don’t look dirty from the outside, visit your dentist every six months. That is because bacteria and plaque lurk in places of your mouth you cannot see in the mirror but can be spotted by your dentist.