1. Brush twice a day.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Ideally, you should brush when you wake up each morning and before you go to bed each night.
2. Floss once a day.
Flossing removes food particles from between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Nightly dental flossing reduces the risk of tooth decay between teeth and maintains healthy gums.
3. Visit the dentist regularly.
You should plan to visit your dentist for a hygiene cleaning and oral exams at least twice a year, every six months. These appointments give your teeth a professional deep cleaning and allow your dentist to identify and treat any issues that may be developing.
4. Eat a healthy diet.
Eating healthy is beneficial for the entire body, including the teeth. A diet that's high in calcium and low in sugar will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Included among the foods beneficial to oral health are leafy greens, carrots, apples, almonds, yogurt, and cheese.
5. Avoid sugary drinks.
Drinking sugary beverages, like pop, on a regular basis can increase your risk of cavities. Instead, drink primarily water or milk, and try leaving sugary drinks for occasional treats.
6. Stay hydrated.
Water consumption can help prevent cavities. By staying hydrated, you will maintain a steady flow of saliva, which removes food particles from your teeth. These particles promote the growth of bacteria.
7. Add mouthwash to your routine.
Rinsing with mouthwash is a good addition to your daily brushing and flossing routine. It can help to kill bacteria in your mouth that can cause issues like cavities and gum disease.
8. Replace your toothbrush regularly.
You should change your toothbrush at least once every six months. You may consider replacing it sooner if the bristles have become stiff, or if you have recently fought off a cough or flu.
9. Don’t smoke.
One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to quit smoking. Not only does it stain your teeth, but it also increases the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
10. Examine your mouth at home.
Regularly examine the interior of your mouth. Make an appointment with your dentist to have anything that seems out of the ordinary, such as lumps, bumps, or sores that have not healed, examined.