We all know for a fact that good mouth hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gum in the best shape possible. We understand that the basics are to brush twice a day and keep up with your dentists for regular checkups for a good routine.

Teeth require lifetime care to remain healthy. The proper steps need to be taken every day to maintain your teeth and prevent problems, even if you don’t have any dental issues. Being mindful of daily habits is a must, in addition to using the right oral care products.

Now you must ask what the best practices and essential habits to practice keeping your mouth hygiene as good as possible? Let’s read through this article and know what steps can be taken to keep your oral hygiene at its finest.

Brushing the right way

We cannot emphasize the importance of brushing twice a day. But, the way your brush your teeth is a crucial factor in maintaining your oral hygiene. Some people tend to swish the brush too harshly over their teeth. This can do more harm than good as it doesn’t remove plaque completely. When you start brushing your teeth, ensure small circular motions. Make your toothbrush reach all the areas of your mouth that are front, back, top, and bottom. Take at least 2 to 3 minutes to ensure your teeth are well cleaned.

Use a soft-bristled brush

Some people think using a medium or a hard-bristled toothbrush can do the cleaning job better than a soft bristle. That is not true. Though hard and medium bristles look as if they will scape away food residue and plaque better, but they are abrasive and can weaken your teeth over time. This is why opt for a soft bristle toothbrush as they do, the same cleaning job while being gentle on your teeth.

Stop smoking

Smoking is the root cause of many problems, and dental hygiene is no different. Smoking weakens your immune system, which makes healing slower. It can affect the mouth too. If you get any dental disease, it will be difficult to heal if you keep on smoking. Apart from this, your overall appearance is greatly affected. Gums and teeth turn yellow, and you will often suffer from bad breath.

Adding mouthwash to daily dental care

Mouthwash can be a good addition to your daily mouth hygiene. Pick a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine. It is an antibacterial agent which is beneficial in keeping plaque and gingivitis formation at bay. Not only that, mouthwash can also keep the bad breath away.

If you are new to the mouthwash routine, consider talking to your dentist to find the best recommendation according to your needs.

Using a fluoride toothpaste

Among all the essential ingredients you look for in a toothpaste, consider fluoride first. Fluoride is the best ingredient to fight tooth decay. It also shields your teeth from “demineralization”. This is when bacteria in your teeth react with sugars. This reaction forms acids that disrupt minerals in your teeth. Since fluoride is present in almost every toothpaste, you can easily find it in any local store.

Flossing is an important practice.

People tend to be unaware of the importance of flossing. Sometimes, brushing is not enough to keep your teeth clean. Flossing is an ideal way to keep your teeth clean between meals. It does a great job at reducing plaque, enhancing gum health, and lowering inflammation in areas prone to get damaged by plaque.

Limit certain food groups

What you eat and drink regularly also has a profound impact on your oral hygiene. Some food and drinks do more damage than others. Sugars are the culprit in damaging your teeth. This is because they are the perfect feed for harmful bacteria, which then form lactic acid. This acid can dissolve minerals in your teeth which can lead to cavities.

Limit the use of processed sugar, desserts, sugary drinks. Limit your sugar intake to less than 10% of daily calories. If you are taking them, take them in considerable amounts at a particular time in a day. As regularly exposing your teeth to sugars can give rise to dental problems early on.

Drink water more often

Lastly, it’s always better to swap water for those sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are the primary source of cavity formation. Drink water or unsweetened tea instead as they are healthier for your body. And if you can’t leave the surgery drinks at all, take them with the meals and small portions.

Include these essential habits in your daily routine, and your gums and teeth will thank you for it. And remember, a perfect smile is something that defines your personality. Taking care if your smile will lead to a healthy life.