Around 3.5 billion people suffer from oral health issues, and many neglect to address them. One reason for this may be the high cost of dental care and the fact that it’s often not covered by insurance, making it a low priority for some. However, there are several steps we can take to maintain healthy teeth before issues arise.

Here are some tips and important facts about dental health that can help you care for your teeth.

1. Brushing after breakfast might make your teeth more sensitive

If you’ve experienced a sharp pain when eating or drinking hot or cold items, this could indicate tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can be caused by thin enamel, and brushing your teeth immediately after eating can worsen this sensitivity. It’s best to brush your teeth before meals to avoid this discomfort.

2. Brushing too hard can lead to receding gums

Our teeth are coated with enamel, which can be damaged by over-brushing. When enamel is worn down, gums can begin to recede, exposing the tooth roots. This can result in the need for treatments like root canals or even tooth extractions. Experts say that 10% to 20% of people worldwide have damaged their gums due to brushing too aggressively.

3. Your diet significantly impacts your dental health

Changing your eating habits can help improve your overall health, and it’s no different for your teeth. A study in The British Medical Journal found that a change in diet can actually reverse tooth decay. We already know that sugary foods cause decay, but altering your diet can help avoid such issues.