written by ERICA DICK. August 20th, 2020
Any skincare enthusiast has probably spent countless hours and dollars perfecting their product routine to get glowing skin. Our teeth, however, get just as much air time as the rest of our face, and for some reason, get so much less love from us. However, our dental heath supersedes just cosmetic importance as almost all diseases start with bacteria in the mouth. So, let me give you the simplest routine for keeping your teeth healthy and pearly white.
First, things first. Floss! Flossing is such an important step for cleaning out plaque and bacteria between your teeth. It also massages the gums so they don’t get inflamed or infected, which definitely does not make for an attractive smile. Clearing out the buildup in between your teeth also scrapes off much of the residue from your food, leaving your teeth white and bright rather than covered in yellow buildup. I like to use regular floss, but you can always opt for the pickers to make it easier to fit into your routine. Floss once a day so as to not irritate your gums always before brushing.
One thing I’ve been loving lately in my morning routine is oil-pulling. An ancient ayurvedic technique, oil- pulling is when you swish oil in your mouth (I like coconut-oil) for 10+ minutes on an empty stomach in the morning. It’s been proven to whiten teeth, improve gum health, kill bacteria and lower inflammation in the body. The taste and texture can be slightly funky at first but you definitely get used to it. Incorporate this step after flossing maybe while you’re making the bed or getting dressed for the day.
Next, you want to brush your teeth for a solid two minutes. People often skimp out on this timing and don’t realize it inevitably leads to bath breath later in the day. Subsequently, the extra buildup that resides from not scrubbing for the full two minutes adds up over time and can lead to stained, discolored teeth. It’s also vital to brush your tongue as it’s a hub for bacteria, especially in the morning from all the stuff that resurfaces in your mouth while you sleep.
You can always incorporate a mouth wash a few times a week after brushing to fend off bacteria and help fight breath. Try to opt for an alcohol-free option as you’re more likely than not to swallow even the slightest bit.
Finally, consider gentle teeth whitening strips or a kit a few days a week – think of it as a face mask for the teeth. This will keep your teeth nice and white in between cleaning appointments with your dentist, which should be scheduled every six months.
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