Brush Two Times a Day for Two Minutes

Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day will keep your teeth in good condition. Brushing cleans food and bacteria from your mouth, also washes out particles that eat away at your teeth and cause cavities.

Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth

It’s no secret that brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a must, because we need to get rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

A Morning Brush Fights Morning Breath

Being warm and wet, the mouth is filled with food particles and bacteria, being in your mouth throughout the night, these bacteria will cause you to have bad breath in the morning. Brushing your teeth in the morning will wash away these bacteria and give you fresh breath.

Don’t Overbrush

Brushing more than twice a day, for longer than four minutes total might wear down the enamel layer that protects your teeth. This can lead to a number of dental problems including exposing the dentin layer.

Wait Before You Brush

Foods and drinks that contain acids temporarily soften the enamel of the teeth. So if you brush your teeth immediately after taking food, it can remove some of the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay over time.

Don’t Neglect your Tongue

Plaque can also build up on the tongue. Not only may this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can also cause other oral health problems. Brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

No matter what kind of toothpaste you choose, make sure it contains fluoride. This is because fluoride is your main defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.

Floss

Floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably at night before bedtime. You’d want to floss before brushing, because it drags out particles of food that hide between teeth and helps loosen plaque so brushing can be more effective.

Rinse Your Mouth

After you’ve thoroughly brushed and flossed, rinse your mouth with mouthwash. This simple act helps clear out the tidbits of toothpaste and food that even brushing and flossing can miss.

Keep your Toothbrush Clean

Always rinse your toothbrush well and store it in a clean place to dry. Remember to change your toothbrush if you’ve been sick to prevent bacteria from being reintroduced into your mouth.

Change your Toothbrush Frequently

Replacing it around every 3 to 6 months should keep it in shape to clean your teeth properly. Damaged or frayed toothbrushes can’t clean the surface of your teeth and can cause damage to your gums.

Wash Your Toothbrush Holder

Your toothbrush holder doesn’t just hold your brush – it also holds onto many of the germs that occupy your bathroom. That is why you should wash it in hot, soapy water, then use a disinfecting wipe, once or twice a week.

Drink More Water

Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall, as well as oral health. Drinking water after every meal can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

Stay Away from Soda

The acid in soda attacks and harms your teeth. Once acid eats away at enamel, it goes on to create cavities, leaves stains on the tooth surface, and erodes the inside structure.

Limit Sugar

Sugar ultimately converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavity formation.

Limit Acidic Food

Acidic fruits as well as teas, and coffee can wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.

Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. Try to avoid the overly mushy processed food and get those jaws working, because harder-to-eat and chew food is better for your teeth.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking causes tooth staining, as well as severe gum disease which can lead to tooth loss, and oral cancer, among other issues. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health.

Regularly Examine your Teeth at Home

While visiting your dentist frequently is an excellent preventive measure, issues can develop in the months between visits. To prevent major concerns, you should do a quick scan of your teeth and gums for anything that has changed or seems unusual and share the information with your dentist.

See your Dentist Twice a Year

You should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups at least twice a year. A dentist can not only remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.