What You Can Do for a Healthier Smile This Year

Parents have multiple responsibilities, and some priorities can get pushed aside. However, keeping up with your oral hygiene is extremely important. It prevents cavities and decreases the chance of long-term health issues. Here are some tips to keep your smile looking nice and shiny.

1. Brush Your Teeth Every Day

Regular brushing helps keep your teeth healthy and gets rid of excess food particles that can form plaque. Plaque is a type of bacteria that can produce acids after eating or drinking, which can break down your tooth enamel. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. 

2. Choose the Right Toothbrush 

The quality of your toothbrush can also make an impact on your oral health. Look for one with soft bristles because hard-bristled brushes wear down your gum line. Consider trying an automatic toothbrush for a more effective clean. 

Consider these factors when selecting a brush:

• Size
• Bristle variety
• Expert recommendations
• Cost 
• Effectiveness

3.  Use Floss

Floss can remove plaque in hard-to-reach places. Buildup can lead to gum disease. 

Here are some other benefits of flossing:

• It keeps you from walking around with food stuck in your teeth
• It can help with bad breath
• It can reduce your chance of respiratory diseases
• It lowers the risk of cavities 
• It can help with heart health 

You want to floss at least once a day before brushing your teeth. Gently move the floss up and down, rubbing both sides of your tooth. 

4. Use Toothpaste With Fluoride 

Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel. As your teeth grow, fluoride can mix with the enamel and prevent cavities and tooth decay. It also helps protect against plaque and sugars. Look for toothpaste bottles and mouthwashes with a fluoride label. 

5. Limit Your Sugar Intake

The bacteria inside your mouth thrive on sugars. Consuming sugary drinks and foods can help to feed the bacteria, which can cause oral health issues. Consider swapping a soda for water or skipping dessert for one night. 

Here are some other foods and drinks you should consume less of:

• Sour candy
• Bread 
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Potato chips 

6.  Visit Your Dentist Regularly 

You want to see your dentist at least twice a year so they can catch any issues early. They can also spot anything you may have missed. Regular cleanings can help strengthen your brushing routine. 

Visiting your oral hygienist keeps your teeth healthy and can also save you from costly procedures down the road.

Here are some of the standard practices that will take place during your visit:

• Cleaning
• Polishing
• Prevention instructions
• X-rays
• Treatment recommendations

7.  Maintain a Healthy Diet

Healthy diets are essential for oral health. The proper food can keep your teeth growing strong and healthy, and chewing increases your saliva prediction. It can help to wash out your mouth naturally. 

Here are some other healthy foods for your teeth to add to your diet:

• Cheese 
• Milk 
• Yogurt
• Leafy greens
• Apples

8. Stay Hydrated 

Water can help naturally wash away food and leftover residue. When you don’t have time to brush your teeth between meals, take a couple of sips of water. It also doesn’t leave behind any sugars, reducing your risk of cavities. 

Here are some tips to help you drink water more often:

• Know your fluid needs
• Set a daily goal
• Keep a reusable water bottle with you 
• Set reminders
• Substitute water for other drinks

9.  Remember to Brush Your Tongue

Make sure you clean off your tongue when you are brushing your teeth. It can often get forgotten when you’re in a rush. Your tongue contains bacteria that can lead to bad breath. Brushing it prevents tooth decay and periodontal disease and gets rid of stains from coffee or red wine. 

Stick your tongue out as far as possible when scrubbing. Start at the back, moving your toothbrush forward and backward. Consider investing in a tongue scraper to get extra clean. 

10. Take Care of Your Toothbrush 

Keep your toothbrush in tip-top shape for a more effective clean. Make sure to remove any excess toothpaste after use. Also, keep it in an upright position and exposed to air. This prevents it from touching germs that accumulate on your countertop.

Here are some other tips for taking proper care of your toothbrush:

• Keep your toothbrush to yourself
• Rinse it with tap water after brushing 
• Replace the brush head periodically 
• Brush gently
• Wash your hands

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Over time, the bristles can wear down and cause it to be less effective. 

How to Make Your Smile Shine

Healthy teeth prevent cavities and gum disease, which is why keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is essential. Follow these tips to keep them in top shape.