Do you want your brightest and healthiest smile? Proper dental hygiene is essential to maintain your best smile. To do so, you need to set a hygiene routine and stick to it.
Don’t wait for there to be a problem to take action in caring for your teeth and gums. Read on for ten dental hygiene tips to improve your oral health.
- Know When to Brush and For How Long
The first tip for a healthy mouth is to brush twice a day: in the morning and evening. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth!
Brush for at least two minutes each time to ensure all your teeth are clean.
- Make Sure to Floss
Maintain your gum health with flossing. Floss at least once a day to clean in between your teeth and remove any trapped food.
- Don’t Forget to Change Out Your Toothbrush
How long have you been using your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, it’s likely time for a new one.
For the most effective clean change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Use Proper Brushing Techniques
Brushing your teeth harder doesn’t mean cleaner. Be cognizant in your dental care by brushing gently, at a 45-degree angle, and in a circular motion.
Be careful not to brush too rough on and around your gums.
- Use Mouthwash
Take clean to the next level by using mouthwash. Using an antibacterial mouthwash provides extra protection from bacteria inside your mouth. Similar to flossing, mouthwash gets in the areas of your mouth that you can’t always reach with brushing.
- Schedule Dentist Appointments
When was your last dental appointment? Again, if you can’t remember, it’s probably time to call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
The recommendation is to visit a dentist at least twice a year. Remember, preventative care is much better than waiting until minor issues become major issues.
Visiting your dentist routinely helps prevent significant conditions of tooth decay, which results in procedures such as root canals or extractions.
- Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables are great for keeping the plaque-causing bacteria off your teeth. These foods also stimulate saliva production and help keep your mouth clean of bacteria.
- Limit Sugar
Sugar-filled drinks or other sweets produce acids inside your mouth. If intake is high for these items, your teeth may begin to decay because of bacteria production.
Limiting your sugar intake protects your tooth enamel from erosion.
- Stop Smoking
In addition to other concerns caused by smoking, your teeth can become discolored from smoking. When smoking, you are at higher risk of having sensitive or infected gums or weakened teeth.
- Clean Your Tongue
Don’t forget about keeping your tongue clean in your dental routine. Freshen your breath and clean out bacteria by using a tongue scraper or a toothbrush with a scraper on the back.
Healthy Mouth with Great Dental Hygiene
Proper dental hygiene isn’t complicated. Creating a consistent and thorough habit will help to ensure your teeth, gums, and tongue receive the best care for a healthy smile. Keep your dental appointment every 6 months. This way dentists can look closely to check and prevent cavities and other dental issues before they become serious.
Contact us today to schedule your check-up appointment if you are overdue or have questions about the best products to use in your dental care routine.