Your teeth are one of the keys to your overall health, and gum disease has been associated with several other dangerous conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. We can all use frequent reminders of some of the most  important factors when it comes to maintaining lifelong oral health. 

Brush Regularly

Brush regularly. You already know this, but it’s so important that it is repeated, again and again. You should brush twice a day, morning and night, with fluoridated toothpaste on a soft brush. When you are brushing, don’t push hard or brush roughly. You should brush in a circular motion for 2 minutes, spending about 10 seconds on each area of your mouth. 

Floss

Flossing is just as important as brushing and these two tips are the best way to keep a clean, healthy mouth and prevent tooth and gum diseases. Flossing does the same thing as brushing but removes plaque buildup and food debris from between the teeth, where your regular toothbrush can’t reach. in fact, most cavities happen between the teeth due to lack of flossing. Most dentists recommend flossing at least once a day.

Visit Your Dentist

The third piece of advice you will hear from your dentist and other professionals is to visit your dentist regularly. When you get your teeth cleaned regularly, you will reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Many dental practices offer free consultations to new patients that often include a free x-ray like this family dental practice for example. This can help dentists  spot cavities and other problems early before they become more difficult to treat. X-rays also ensure that your teeth are planted firmly in your gums helping treat early symptoms of periodontal disease.

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue

When you are brushing, don’t forget to brush the non-teeth parts of your mouth, like your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. This helps remove bacteria from these areas, reducing the overall amount of bacteria in your mouth. It also helps prevent bad breath which is caused by the growth of bacteria.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water helps your mouth stay hydrated, especially in dry or hot weather. Your mouth is self-cleaning to some extent, but it needs to remain moist in order to work well. Saliva production is better when you are well-hydrated, and saliva helps rinse your mouth of food, bacteria, and other debris. This is especially important if you tend to sleep with your mouth open.

Eat Healthy Food

Eating healthy, nutritious food is beneficial for all parts of your body and your mouth is no different. When your teeth receive the nutrients they need, they are stronger, more firmly planted, and more resistant to bacteria. This will also help avoid feeding the actual bacteria in your mouth.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can contribute to tooth damage by drying your mouth and reducing saliva production. This is bad for your teeth and gums. Many alcoholic drinks are also sugary, which feeds the bacteria already present in your mouth. In addition, dark alcoholic drinks can stain your teeth, which is unsightly.

Avoid Sugar

Sugary drinks and candy are bad for your teeth because they feed the bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria is what causes tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath. While you can’t completely eliminate bacteria from your mouth, by limiting your sugar intake, you help reduce the number of bacteria present.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is bad for your teeth because it contributes to gum loss and disease. Frequent smoking can help cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving gaps that fill with plaque and becoming infected. 90% of people with severe gum disease are smokers.

Avoid Soda Drinks 

Sugary drinks like soda hit your teeth with a double attack. They contain a lot of sugar, which feeds bad bacteria, and they are high in acid, which softens enamel. While an occasional drink is okay, frequent fizzy sodas or other fizzy drinks can wear away and soften enamel, leaving it more susceptible to bacteria. Drinking one soda a day is enough to cause negative effects.

Replace Worn Toothbrushes

Replace your toothbrushes at least once every 6 months, but more often is better. Toothbrush bristles are susceptible to wear and tear, and that can cause the ends of the bristles to be broken, hardened, or sharp. You can’t feel or see the damage and tiny scratches that worn toothbrushes can cause, but it can provide an entry point for bacteria. 

Always use the softest brushes you can. While it can seem counterintuitive, hard brushes don’t help your teeth become cleaner. Instead, hard brushes can damage your teeth and gums, leaving them more susceptible to infection. It isn’t the texture of the brush that cleans your teeth but the brushing and rubbing action itself.

Help Children Brush

Children need help brushing their teeth properly until they are old enough to do the job well, and responsible enough to do it consistently. Children can’t physically brush their own teeth well until they are coordinated enough to tie their shoes. Younger children should start brushing their own teeth as soon as they can and want to, but you should watch them and follow up to hit any spots they missed. 

Children also need to floss and this job is even harder-prepare to floss for your children at least every few days until they are old enough to do it themselves. Flossing picks can help children (and adults!) reach the back teeth and are more fun and easier to use.

Conclusion

It’s easy to become lax in the basic techniques of hygiene, which are necessary for all of us, so it’s good to have an occasional reminder about the importance of the simple routines that will help maintain our teeth for the duration of our life.