Protecting teeth is an important part of maintaining oral health, which not only concerns the beauty of our smiles but is also closely related to overall physical health. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that the health of teeth reflects the condition of the kidneys because “teeth are the surplus of bones,” with the strength of teeth depending on the health of bones, and the strong bones attributed to the function of the kidneys. Therefore, by adhering to some simple methods such as tapping teeth, nourishing the stomach, and strengthening the kidneys, we can not only protect our teeth but also promote overall health.
Tapping teeth is an ancient and simple way of tooth protection, just gently tapping the teeth up and down for a few minutes, once in the morning and once in the evening. This action not only exercises the teeth but also indirectly stimulates the bones and kidneys, promotes the circulation of qi and blood in the body, making people energetic and strengthening the muscles and bones.
Nourishing the stomach is equally important for dental care. The health of the stomach directly affects the oral environment, with strong stomach fire potentially leading to oral odor, which is not conducive to teeth. Therefore, maintaining a light diet, avoiding excessive consumption of greasy and spicy foods, as well as controlling the alternation of hot and cold foods intake reasonably, helps maintain the coolness of the stomach, creating a friendly internal environment for the teeth.
Strengthening the kidneys is fundamental to maintaining strong teeth. The vigor of kidney qi can delay tooth aging; hence, a regular lifestyle, such as moderate sexual activity and avoiding staying up late, is crucial for strengthening the kidneys to protect the teeth. Staying up late is an invisible killer that consumes kidney essence and should be taken seriously.
In addition to the above traditional Chinese medicine methods, some basic habits in daily life also play a crucial role in protecting teeth: – Proper brushing: Adopting a scientific brushing method at least twice daily, especially the brushing before bedtime is crucial. – Dietary attention: Limiting sugar intake, eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to clean the surface of the teeth and enhance oral resistance. – Choosing suitable oral care products: Selecting toothbrushes and toothpaste based on personal oral conditions, replacing the toothbrush regularly to ensure cleaning effectiveness. – Regular dental check-ups: Undergoing professional dental check-ups at least once a year to promptly detect and resolve dental issues, prevention is better than treatment.
In conclusion, protecting teeth is a comprehensive process; combining traditional Chinese wisdom with modern oral hygiene knowledge enables us to better safeguard this valuable “smile capital.”
