When life gets in the way, you may not have as much time to freshen up your smile as you would like. You may even forget to clean your teeth before you leave the house some days! When you need to keep your smile healthy while you’re out and about, you have a few convenient and effective options.
Pack Sugarless Gum
Sugarless gum doesn’t just help prevent cavities by encouraging saliva production and protecting tooth enamel—it may even help reverse early cavities [1]. The best type of gum to choose is one that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that does not contain sugar. You can also look for sugar-free gum that contains remineralizing agents such as calcium that could help strengthen your tooth enamel. As a bonus, mint-flavored gums can help freshen your breath.
Eat Healthy Snacks
You have the opportunity to keep your smile strong by eating healthy throughout the day. If you can, bring fresh fruits or vegetables with you to munch on for snacks. Crunchy natural foods such as apples, carrots, and celery can actually help remove plaque from the teeth and stimulate saliva to support a fresh and healthy smile [2].
Drink Water
Saliva plays an integral role in balancing oral bacteria in your mouth and acting as a buffer between acids, bacteria, and your tooth enamel. You can help replenish your saliva by chewing gum, munching on healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. In fact, water is the best beverage you can drink for your smile [3].
Keep an Extra Brush or Container of Floss Around
Depending on what your day looks like, you may have a couple minutes to do a quick brushing or flossing of your teeth. Keep an extra brush or container of floss in your purse, car, or desk for when you feel like you need a fresher smile any time of day. Mint-flavored floss can go a long way towards helping you feel like your breath is fresher—no toothpaste or mouthwash needed!
Supporting a Healthy Smile
As long as you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once per day, you don’t necessarily need to clean your teeth throughout the day. However, adopting a few healthy habits can help you keep your smile stronger and fresher as you go about your day. Don’t forget to follow up with your dentist for regular teeth cleanings to keep your smile both beautiful and healthy!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232036/
2. https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/the-best-foods-for-a-healthy-smile-and-whole-
body/
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/water-best-beverage