Having healthy teeth is as important as having a healthy body. However, it takes a lot of effort to maintain good oral hygiene. Even if you get compliments regarding how nice your smile is, you should take care of your teeth to maintain it that way. Taking care of teeth requires good oral care products and healthy teeth habits like these.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing teeth twice a day is one of the most common but effective pieces of advice we have received since childhood. However, most of us get lazy and forget to brush our teeth at night. Brushing your teeth before going to bed causes any bacteria or plaque accumulated over the course of the day to get washed off. So, make sure you have a habit of brushing your teeth twice a day.

Brush With Proper Technique

The technique with which you brush your teeth is as important as the frequency you brush your teeth. Not brushing your teeth properly sometimes equates to not brushing your teeth at all. Make sure that you take time while brushing your teeth with gentle and circular motions. If plaque accumulates it will harden over time, causing calculus and gingivitis. Proper brushing technique also involves brushing your tongue. The tongue can also have a buildup of plaque, which can be bad for oral hygiene and consequently lead to problems later.

Use Toothpaste that Contains Fluoride

It is important to use good toothpaste which contains the necessary elements to keep your teeth healthy. One such element is fluoride. Whitening and flavors can be ignored however fluoride cannot. While there is still research going on about how fluoride affects the rest of our body it is essential for oral care. Fluoride helps fight against tooth decay by fighting off germs and bacteria that cause it.

Floss Regularly

Many people take brushing as a substitute for flossing their teeth. Neither of the practices can substitute for the other. Both of them are equally important. Flossing removes the little pieces of food that are stuck between your teeth. Flossing also stimulates the gums and reduces plaque accumulation, which lowers the risk of inflammation of the gums. Flossing once every day is enough to get these advantages. However, flossing can be a hard task for children or even some adults. Older people with arthritis tend to find flossing a difficult task too. In that case, you can try using ready-to-use dental flossers.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is often ignored when it comes to oral health and many people skip the mouthwash since they are unaware of its benefits. Mouthwash helps our teeth by reducing the amount of acid in the mouth, it cleans the mouth in areas where it is difficult to reach with the brush and also remineralizes the teeth. So, it is a good option for especially young children who often do not take brushing teeth seriously. Mouthwash regulates the pH of our mouth and avoids the accumulation of germs and bacteria. Your dentist can guide you to choosing the mouthwash that is good for you so make sure you consult him before getting one. Mouthwash is also available on prescription.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Water is generally considered beneficial for your overall health. This also holds true for oral health. You should make it a habit to drink water after every meal. The reason for this is pretty much self-explanatory as water will wash out the effects of a sugary or fatty meal like beverages and sweets.

Have More Crunchy Vegetables

It is convenient to get ready-to-eat foods, they are tastier and filling. However, they may not make your teeth very happy. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and they are a good choice for your teeth too. Parents are often advised by physicians to have harder to eat and chew foods. Crunchy vegetables and fruits are good for exercising your jaw and facial muscles.

Limit Your Sugar Intake

Having a lot of sugary foods causes more acid in the mouth. Acid can erode the enamel. An eroded enamel can lead to cavities in your mouth which are bad for your teeth. So limit your sugar intake to keep your teeth healthy. Similarly, specific food like acidic fruits, tea, and coffee can wear down your teeth and compromise your oral hygiene. You can take these once in a while but having them on a regular basis can be bad for your teeth.

Be Regular With Dental Appointments

While nothing can replace healthy habits to take care of teeth you still need to make regular visits to your dentist. As a minimum, you should make two visits to your dentist for proper cleaning and check-up every year. Your dentist will also look for calculus and cavities in your mouth and fix the problem before it gets worse. If you have medical insurance your company may cover frequent dental checkups. If you already have existing dental issues then you should visit the dentist more frequently and more often.

Final Thoughts

It is extremely important to take care of your oral health as your mouth is the first place where food enters your body. Good oral hygiene also ensures that you are confident when talking to others. While this article mentions some healthy habits you can look up more on the internet. All you need is a cost-effective internet package like the ones available at First Energy.