5 Everyday Habits for Healthy Teeth

The rules to maintaining proper dental hygiene can sometimes feel overwhelming and unattainable. With so much information on the internet about what you should be doing, the basic habits for healthy teeth can get lost in the clutter.

Here are 5 habits to follow for proper day-to-day dental care that will keep your smile pearly white!

Follow a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet that is rich in sugary foods can lead to cavities and rotting teeth. Sugar builds up bad bacteria in your mouth that breaks down tooth enamel and causes tartar build up.

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates
Consume calcium-rich foods
Drink lots of water
Limit snacking between meals

Brush Twice a Day: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential for eliminating bacteria and keeping your teeth shiny and white.

Brush once in the morning and once at night
Brush for two minutes each time
Brush in small, light circular motions; not roughly side-to-side
Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months or when you notice the bristles starting to fray

Floss Daily: Flossing is often the dental habit that people forget to do, or choose not to perform because it seems annoying or unimportant. But in fact, flossing helps to prevent gum disease and gets into the hard to reach places that your toothbrush cannot.

Extremely effective for removing plaque on your teeth
Floss the teeth at the back of your mouth, even though it may be uncomfortable
Floss at least once a day
Use strong floss if your teeth are tight together and you find it shredding

Rinse with Mouthwash: After flossing and brushing your teeth, it is good to get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Mouthwash is a great way to reduce the chance of getting gingivitis and removes harmful bacteria.

Swish mouthwash around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds
Kills off bacteria associated with bad breath and temporarily freshens breath with a minty scent
Can prevent cavities from forming and strengthens tooth enamel

Bi-annual Dentist Visit: Most importantly, visiting your dentist twice a year will help you maintain strong and healthy teeth. The dentist can identify dental issues before they become advanced and difficult to treat, such as gum disease and cavities.

For check ups and cleanings
To offer advice about your at-home dental routine based on your lifestyle or any problem areas
May suggest more or less frequent appointments depending on the individual