Putting your oral health first is important. In fact, good oral health can actually play a significant role when it comes to preventing gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, or endodontic treatments. Furthermore, good dental hygiene can greatly improve your self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to maintain good oral health. Continue reading to learn more.

Brush your teeth after meals

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your mouth plaque-free and fresh.

While you should take your time when brushing your teeth, it’s also very important to avoid overbrushing them. Keep in mind that doing so can wear down the enamel, which plays a significant role in preventing cavities. 

This then exposes your teeth to bacterial infection. Apart from wearing your enamel away, over-brushing can make you prone to pain by exposing the layer of dentin in your teeth. Therefore, be careful when brushing to lower the risk of getting an infection.

Visit the dentist regularly

To maintain good oral hygiene, it’s vital to schedule appointments with your dentist. This is usually recommended every six months and might include the removal of tartar and plaque. The dentist will examine your teeth and look for signs of gum disease, cavities, or any other dental health problems.

When visiting your dentist, make sure to mention any health issues you might be experiencing, since some of them might negatively impact your oral health. You can also visit your dentist in case you notice some changes in your dental health; for instance, tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or discoloration. Your dentist will examine your teeth and in case of discoloration, they can offer teeth whitening services.

Reduce your sugar intake

Reducing your sugar intake and switching to a healthier diet might be your goal. But have you considered it part of your oral hygiene routine? Note that the high amount of sugar found in processed foods, desserts, candies, and soft drinks can cause tooth decay. 

Therefore, try to reduce your sugar intake, switch to natural sweeteners, or substitute them with low or zero sugar alternatives. Also, be cautious when eating starchy food like bread and chips as they can lead to tooth decay when they sit on your teeth for too long.

Floss your teeth

Flossing your teeth is as vital as brushing them. By flossing, you are able to get rid of bacteria and plaque that are in areas that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. Besides, flossing allows you to remove food particles stuck between your teeth and help you prevent bad breath.

Therefore, take your floss and slowly push it between your teeth and to your gum line, and gently hug each side of your tooth by moving up and down several times. Also, be very careful while flossing, avoid flossing quickly between your teeth as it can result in pain and you won’t get rid of plaque completely.

Final Words

Your smile is a tool that will help you create a fantastic first impression, and it all starts with good oral hygiene. What’s more, your oral health can affect your physical appearance as well as your self-esteem. Therefore, it’s crucial to set aside some time for your dental hygiene regimen. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride and a soft-bristled brush, reduce your sugar intake, floss, and more essentially, visit your dentist regularly.