Brushing Regularly

If possible, you should brush your teeth after every meal. However, brushing your teeth once in the morning and once before going to bed is an excellent practice.

Using Proper TechniqueWhen brushing, you must use the correct technique. Incorrect technique can result in gingivitis, tooth decay, and other problems.

Never brush too hard, as this can damage your gums over time. Use short circular strokes, focusing on one or two teeth at a time. Ensure that you brush all sides of each tooth, and angle your brush toward the gum line.

Using a Good Quality Toothbrush

A good toothbrush has soft bristles. Change your toothbrush every 3 months to ensure proper removal of plaque. Using an electric toothbrush is preferable. Some electrical toothbrushes notify you when too much pressure is being applied.

Flossing Regularly

You should be flossing regularly. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once every day. Doing so will remove the plaque that builds up between your teeth. It will also remove any food particles that brushing might have missed.

Avoiding Detrimental Food and Drinks

To look after the health of your teeth, it’s a good practice to abstain from eating foods that are known to be bad for oral health. Eating a large amount of these foods will lead to tooth decay. While you can certainly indulge in such food sometimes, it should be treated as an occasional treat, and not as part of your usual diet. Foods and drinks to avoid include soda and other sugary drinks, candy, alcohol, etc.

Resisting the Urge to Smoke

If you’re a smoker, you’ve already heard the warning: smoking is tremendously injurious to your health. This includes oral health as well. Smoking causes your teeth to become discolored. It also is a threat to the soft tissue in your mouth. Your chances of being diagnosed with oral cancer increase significantly if you smoke.

Visiting a Dentist Regularly

While everyday care of your teeth and gums is essential for your oral health, it’s also wise to have your teeth checked and cleaned by a dentist twice a year.

A dentist will examine your mouth closely, looking for tooth decay, gum recession, and any other problems that may be present. By inspecting for these conditions, your dentist can catch small issues before they become huge ailments.