Our teeth and gums experience a build-up of food particles, plaque, and bacteria throughout the day. Poor oral hygiene may lead to various dental problems, including bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.

Regularly visiting a dentist promotes better oral health, and you can also adopt some simple daily habits to preserve your gums and teeth. Here are five ways to practice good oral hygiene every day:

Brush Your Teeth Regularly and Properly

Brushing is the simplest way to maintain proper oral hygiene, but it can be easy to neglect or fall out of the habit. If you ignore brushing your teeth, the build-up of food particles and bacteria may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems.

Your dentist may recommend brushing at least two times a day. Once in the morning to remove bacteria accumulated through the night and once before sleeping to remove the day’s plaque build-up. Brush for at least two minutes using circular motions for effective plaque removal.

Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to further protect your enamel and gum health.

Floss Every Day

Brushing your teeth removes food particles and plaque from only the easily accessible tooth surfaces. Some unwanted substances may get trapped between teeth, out of the toothbrush’s reach. Dental floss is a thread-like material that fits in tight teeth spaces to remove unwanted particles.

While flossing, be gentle on your gums and avoid snapping the floss between your teeth, as this may hurt or damage your gums. Dentists recommend flossing at least once daily, preferably before sleeping, to prevent food particles from lingering between your teeth overnight. You can also floss during the day, after meals, or when you feel food particles stuck in your teeth.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash has antiseptic properties that keep your mouth free from harmful bacteria. It also freshens your breath and cleans areas where brushing and flossing can’t reach. People with braces benefit from using mouthwash as it helps remove food particles stuck around the brackets and wires.

Your dentist will recommend a suitable mouthwash type for your oral health. Swish the recommended amount in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Do not rinse your mouth using water afterward to maximize the product’s benefits.

Avoid Sugary Foods

When you eat sugary foods like soda and candy, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids that attack your enamel. These acids weaken your teeth as time passes and may cause cavities. Prevent this by limiting your intake of sugary beverages and foods.

If you can’t avoid these substances, brush your teeth after consuming them or rinse your mouth using water. You can replace sugary foods with healthier options like fruits and vegetables. Eating foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt may help neutralize the acids that corrode your teeth’s enamel. Ask your dentist for advice on which foods to eat and which to avoid for optimal oral health.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water rinses away food particles and bacteria, preventing them from accumulating in your mouth. Drinking enough water promotes optimum saliva production, which washes away plaque and neutralizes the acids bacteria produce.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily and carry a bottle to continue sipping throughout the day. The benefits of drinking enough water extend to other parts of the body, increasing overall physical health.

Schedule an Appointment with a Dentist

With proper care, you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums, avoid dental problems, and maintain good breath. Visit your dentist at least twice per year for a cleaning and checkup. During these visits, dental professionals examine your teeth for signs of dental issues and create preventative care plans. Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment.

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