Attaining the right level of dental hygiene takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Even when you’re touted to have a nice set of teeth, there are specific steps to take care of them and prevent problems. 

Below are some dental hygiene tips that you should put into practice.

Always brush your teeth before going to bed

It’s no news that the general recommendation on almost all oral care products is to brush twice daily. The reason being that brushing right before bed eliminates accumulated plaque and germs from the day’s food. When you think of a typical day, think of the meals, drinks, beverages, sweets, and all you’ve added. Particles of these foods get stuck between your teeth.

In addition, the main reason for brushing before bed is to get rid of these particles because they become a medium housing several bacteria. These bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum disease or gingivitis, and other oral conditions. Another thing to note is that bad breath is caused by the presence of bacteria in your mouth, feeding on the food particles stuck in your teeth. Brushing at night acts as a means to eliminate these bacteria. 

Brush properly

How you brush, how long you brush, and how you handle your brush is very important. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing shouldn’t be less than two minutes. Two minutes is enough time to remove plaque from the teeth. Not brushing correctly is almost as bad as not brushing at all. In addition, the ideal way to brush is to gently move the toothbrush across the surface of the teeth in an up-down or circular motion. This ensures the complete removal of plaque on each tooth. When you brush haphazardly, you might miss plaque of some tooth. This plaque may then harden and cause more problems like calculus buildup or gingivitis.

Don’t neglect your tongue

This is a significant dental hygiene tip worth mentioning. Plaque can appear on the tooth as well as the tongue. Plaque buildup on the tongue can cause you to have an awful mouth odor. Gently move your brush over the tongue in a circular motion. This kills off any bacteria attached to the surface of the tongue. In addition, brushing the tongue reduces the risk of periodontal diseases. Apart from that, clearing up bacterial buildup from the surface of the tongue also enhances your sense of taste. 

Go for fluoride toothpaste

Apart from the whitening power and flavor of the toothpaste, there are other areas to note when going for quality toothpaste. Make sure it contains fluoride!. Fluoride is a mainstay in quality toothpaste because of its properties. It helps rebuild, remineralize, and revitalize weakened tooth enamel and reverse tooth decay. Apart from killing off germs from the surface of the teeth, fluoride creates a protective layer on each tooth. Thus, defending them from the effects of sugary drinks and erosion. 

Floss regularly

Flossing should be treated as important as brushing. Flossing eliminates tartar building in between the teeth. It doesn’t take very long for plaque to accumulate on your teeth. When plaque is left unattended, it can harden into tartar. Flossing daily will help to remove plaque from between your teeth and prevent tartar formation at the gum line. Flossing is a good way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and lower inflammation in the area. 

Try using mouthwash

Mouthwash is used as some sort of additional cleaning. Mouthwash helps eliminate the remaining debris of food particles and bacteria left in the mouth after brushing. Usually in liquid form, it flows around and in between your teeth, helping to wash off dental plaque more thoroughly. In addition, a mouthwash also can help clean the gums, getting rid of bacteria that could cause infections. Besides that, it can also be used to clean up hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. 

Drink more water

It is recommended to drink water after every meal. This is important because water washes out some food particles between the teeth and the tongue. It also washes off the leftovers of sticky and acidic foods from the enamel. 

Reduce your intake of sugary foods

Sugary foods are generally bad for your health. When sugar is taken, it is converted into an acid capable of eroding the tooth’s enamel. These acids are what lead to tooth cavities. Acidic fruits, sugary beverages, desserts, and other sugar-filled foods can wear off the enamel. You don’t necessarily have to avoid these types of food altogether; however, it won’t hurt to be more mindful of them. 

Make appointments with your dentist

Meeting your dentist once in a while is very important. Teeth issues could be signaling an underlying condition that can only be diagnosed by a professional dentist. A dentist will also be able to recommend the best product for you. 

Taking these dental hygiene tips into practice will surely improve your overall health. Always remember that the dignity of our smile is our teeth.