5 Perfect Oral Hygiene Tips for Healthy Teeth

Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans have untreated tooth decay? The U.S. has an oral healthcare problem, and it’s up to you to make sure your teeth stay healthy.

Luckily, taking care of your oral hygiene is easy with the right information and a good dentist on your side.

Keep reading, and we’ll give you 5 tips for oral hygiene that will keep your teeth and gums healthy between dentist appointments!

1. Brush and Floss the Right Way

The easiest and best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Always brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for about four minutes at a time.

Before you brush your teeth, make sure you floss in between all of your teeth.

Many adults in the U.S. shirk on flossing, but there’s no time like the present to start. Flossing is the only way to make sure you’re getting all the bacteria and food scraps off of your teeth.

2. Avoid Enamel-Eroding Foods

Enamel is a natural coating that protects your teeth. Enamel can become eroded over time, which leaves your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity and damage.

To preserve your enamel, limit your intake of acidic foods, especially lemon and lime. You should also limit your consumption of carbonated beverages, especially soda.

3. Avoid Nicotine

One of the best things you can do for your gum health (and your overall physical health) is to stay away from nicotine.

Nicotine is highly addictive and can rapidly cause gum decay. The widespread popularity of cigarettes and nicotine vapes is one of the reasons that almost half of adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of gum disease!

4. Get Regular Dental Checkups

Unless you get a dental checkup 1-2 times a year, you may not truly know what’s going on in your mouth. Your dentist can spot budding oral health problems before they get worse and cost you unnecessary time and money.

Having an established relationship with a dentist also makes it much easier for you to deal with dental emergencies.

5. Prevent Grinding and Clenching

One of the most often overlooked aspects of maintaining healthy teeth is ensuring you aren’t clenching or grinding your teeth. Many people grind their teeth in their sleep due to stress, sleep disorders, or tooth-alignment issues.

Grinding and clenching can weaken your teeth in the long run. Make sure you address jaw pain or sore teeth at your next dental checkup.

Follow These Tips for Oral Hygiene

You can’t go wrong when you follow these tips for oral hygiene. When taking care of your teeth and gums, routine is key — once you start building healthy habits, prioritizing your oral health will be second nature!

For more health and self-care tips, check out the rest of our blog! We’ve got all the information you need to stay happy and healthy in the new year.