It takes a lifetime to maintain healthy teeth. It’s vital to take care of your teeth on a daily basis even if you’ve been told you have nice teeth. To do this, you must make sure you are using the right dental care items and be aware of your habits.

Today, we’ll be discussing 11 healthy habits to preserve and promote your oral health.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day

And try to do it after each meal. When you brush your teeth, use a toothbrush with a soft head so you don’t hurt your gums. Be sure to clean the visible surfaces, the side with the bristles, and also the back surface.

When brushing, try to following these 3 rules which will help guarantee clean teeth after each brushing session.

• Use small circular motions.
• Use short strokes.
• Move the brush back and forth.

2. Floss at least once a day

Flossing is essential because it removes debris between teeth that could otherwise cause the development of cavities. It helps prevent gum disease and it can reduce the risk of cavities. Flossing should be done after brushing your teeth, but before you rinse.

When flossing, make sure you’re

• Using the right technique.
• Using the right amount of pressure.
• Moving the floss at the correct speed.

3. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups

No matter how good of a job you do in maintaining your teeth, you should still visit your dentist regularly. Your doctor can spot even the smallest cavities or gum disease before they become serious.

4. Use fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel so it’s less likely to decay. It’s found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and even in drinking water. If you live in an area where there is no fluoride in the drinking water system, talk to your doctor or dentist about fluoride supplements.

5. Chew sugarless gum

Chewing sugarless gum will help produce more saliva in your mouth, which can help with bad breath! Not only that, but chewing sugarless gum after eating sweet or high-acid foods will help clean your teeth.

6. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash is used to relieve bad breath. If you don’t have bad breath but are worried about the appearance of your breath, use mouthwash to ensure your breath is clean.

7. Use a tongue scraper

Your tongue is an area that most people tend to ignore when they’re cleaning their teeth. A tongue scraper removes plaque and bacteria that is stuck in the tongue crevices. It will leave your tongue feeling fresher.

Pros and cons of a Tongue Scraper vs Toothbrush

Many people are unsure whether they really need a tongue scraper or if they can just use their toothbrush. Let’s look as some of the pros and cons of each method.

The pros of a tongue scraper

• It’s a lot larger.
• It has a flat end.

The cons of a tongue scraper

• You will need to clean it.
• It’s an extra purchase.

The pros of a toothbrush

• It’s something you’re already using.
• It’s convenient to use.

The cons of a toothbrush

• It is too small.
• It’s not big enough.

8. Make sure you’re drinking enough water everyday

Drinking water is important for your general health. Not only is it good for your teeth (no matter if you use a toothbrush or not), it’s good for the rest of your body.

Drinking water helps with digestion, can boost your metabolism, helps with weight loss, and increases your energy level. When you’re drinking water with meals, it will keep your mouth hydrated longer, which is important when you’re brushing your teeth.

9. Avoid eating too much sugar

Sugar in itself doesn’t cause cavities, but it does promote the creation of plaque in the mouth. Sugar attracts bacteria, and when it is in contact with your teeth, it can cause cavities.

If you’re trying to keep your teeth in good shape, avoid eating too much sugar.

10. Don’t smoke

Smoking increases the risk of developing periodontal disease. It also has an effect on your gums, causing them to recede.

11. Practice good oral hygiene when you sleep

When you sleep, you shouldn’t do anything that could damage your teeth before you wake up. This means you shouldn’t sleep with your mouth open, you shouldn’t chew on hard objects, and you shouldn’t drink too much wine before sleeping.

When you practice good oral hygiene before you go to sleep, it’s easier for your body to maintain good oral health while you are asleep.

Don’t get caught up in the idea that your oral health needs to be perfect. It’s not necessary to get every single one of these tips right to have the healthiest teeth possible. If you get 80% right, your teeth can still be healthy! Your dentist can help you to identify exactly what you’re doing right or wrong.