Keeping your teeth healthy is an essential part of overall health. It helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay and helps keep your body healthy and active in the longer run. However, it can be hard to know where to start as well as to ensure that your dental hygiene is on point. That’s why we've put together this list of tips and tricks that will help you improve your oral hygiene routine:

1. Brush your teeth twice per day, and for 2 minutes (don’t overdo it!)

Brush your teeth twice per day. This is the best way to keep your mouth clean, and don't go overboard! Brushing for more than two minutes can cause damage because it's too long of contact with the bristles on an electric brush or manual toothbrush (which are made out of plastic). At the same time,  also ensure that you brush for at least two minutes to ensure that you covered all areas.

Don't forget about brushing your tongue and gums as well! The tongue is often overlooked when people think about oral hygiene. However there are several places where bacteria can hide out in between teeth and gums that need attention too: behind back molars (third molars), inside cheeks near cheekbones (the soft palate), and under the upper lip are places that are often overlooked.

2. Avoid soda and alcohol.

Avoid soda and alcohol. These two things can damage your teeth, erode tooth enamel and dry out your mouth. They also make it more susceptible to bacteria, which can lead to cavities.

Even if you're only drinking one glass daily, consider cutting back slightly on the sugary drinks you consume!

3. Floss daily.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It prevents gum disease and tooth decay, which can lead to serious health issues. Flossing helps clean up any leftover plaque or food debris which might accumulate and cause gum diseases or cavities later on. If you want your teeth to stay healthy, make sure you floss every day.

4. Drink a lot of water

Water is the best beverage for your overall health including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, we recommend that you drink water after every meal, this can help prevent acidic or sticky food from getting stuck on your teeth and ensures that your mouth is well hydrated. Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. 

5. Drink with a straw.

Drinking through a straw may help prevent tooth decay because it reduces the contact of teeth with acids present in the drink. This is especially important if you have braces or crowns on your teeth because exposure and particles getting stuck to them can cause problems with the gums, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

6. Rinse after eating acidic foods.

When you eat acidic food items, such as lemons and tomatoes, your mouth can become more acidic. When this happens, you should rinse with water after eating to neutralize the increase in acidity and keep your teeth healthy. You should also avoid using mouthwash or toothpaste that contains alcohol because both of these products can dry out the gums and cause more damage to them over time than if you just rinsed with plain water (you may want to call your dentist first if this happens).

7. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

Although ready-to-eat foods are easy and accessible, your teeth may not like them as much. Fresh, crunchy food is ideal for your teeth since it includes more beneficial fiber and is also more nutrient-dense and gets your jaws and teeth working. Therefore, avoid highly processed foods, stop cutting food into little pieces, and start using your jaws.

8. Get regular dental check-ups every 6 months.

Your everyday dental hygiene is crucial to your overall dental health but even the most diligent brushers and flossers should visit the dentist regularly. Check-ups can help diagnose cavities, remove calculus and plaque, and help identify problems at an early stage. 

Consulting a good dentist is imperative to your health. This is critical to ensure preventative methods before problems get worse and to ensure that everything is normal, and you are in good health. Schedule an appointment with us and keep up your dental hygiene.

It takes less time than you think to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Remember all it takes is a couple of minutes and a little bit of effort to ensure that your teeth are in good condition and you can rock that confident smile of yours. Maintaining proper dental hygiene is important for people of all ages to ensure that their teeth stay healthy and strong.

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