Are you on the hunt for dental hygiene tips that actually work?

Let’s face it, our oral health is vitally connected to the rest of our health. Yet, sometimes our oral health can take a back seat when we’re feeling compromised for time. When your schedule is full to the brim and free time is rare, it’s not uncommon for dental appointments to fall behind.

So, what can we do about this? What are the steps that we can take in our daily life elevate our oral health?

If you’re looking to maximize your oral health and ensure that your smile is at its best, you’ve come to the right place. To help, we’re sharing seven dental hygiene tips that everyone should be aware of. Whether you’re a grown adult or still a teenager, these dental hygiene tips will allow you greater confidence in your smile.

1. Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

You’re going to want to start by scheduling a dental appointment with a professional dentist at least twice a year.

Sure, you may have outwardly healthy teeth. Or, maybe you have an impressive brushing and flossing routine down-pat. But, even the most adamant brushes are serious about visiting the dentist at least twice a year.

The truth is, dentists can perform cleaning routines that we simply cannot achieve at home. This appointment will involve a routine cleansing and a general checkup. This will keep your teeth healthy and ensure that your oral hygiene is up to par.

2. Invest in an Electric Toothbrush

Are you still using that dull manual toothbrush from earlier this year?

If so, it’s time to introduce yourself to the exciting world of electric toothbrushes. In this day and age, these toothbrushes are widely available to suit a vast range of budgets. Whether you’re looking to spend a lot or a little, rest assured that there’s an electric toothbrush out there for you.

At the end of the day, an electric toothbrush will achieve a better job of cleaning your teeth and your gums than a manual toothbrush. It’s also more effective in removing plaque and it’s less harsh on our gums. Many people find that using an electric toothbrush makes the brushing process less daunting.

3. Don’t Neglect Your Tongue

We know how important it is to take care of our teeth and our gums, but what about our tongue?

Plaque can build on our tongues in the same way that it can build on our teeth. While this may not have a direct effect on your teeth, it will have a widespread effect on your oral hygiene.

For example, plaque buildup on the tongue can increase the production of bacteria and lead to unpleasant mouth odor. It’s safe to say this is something we’re all looking to avoid!

4. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

When you’re shopping for toothpaste, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed by the available selection.

While some advertise top-notch plaque removal, others promise to whiten your teeth in as little as a few days. While these characteristics are favorable, what you should be looking for is a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This isn’t a rarity and it should be easy to find in most stores.

One of the most promising benefits of fluoride is that it’s a leading defense against tooth decay. It will fight against the germs that lead to tooth decay and it will provide a protective barrier for your teeth.

5. Get Serious About Flossing

Of course, we all know just how important flossing is.

After all, we’ve been told from a young age that flossing is just as important as brushing our teeth. Yet, only 32% of grown adults report flossing daily. For a relatively simple and routine task, why has flossing become such an anomaly?

If you’re serious about your dental hygiene, it’s time to get serious about flossing. To start, invest in a flossing instrument that you’ll realistically use. For some, it’s easier to use a flossing wand as opposed to a standard flossing string.

From here, you can simply guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Once your floss reaches the gum line, slide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth. If you’re having trouble imagining these instructions, be sure to watch a video or have your dental professional show you.

6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

This next step is simple: remember to consume your recommended water intake each and every day.

Of course, we know that water is critical to our health overall. But, as it turns out, water is also beneficial to our oral hygiene and keeping bad breath at bay. Water helps to cleanse our teeth by washing away the food particles that are stuck in our mouth between brushing.

Generally speaking, adults should consume at least two liters of water every day. When your mouth is properly hydrated, it’s more challenging for plaque to buildup on your teeth throughout the day.

7. Limit Sugary Foods

Last but not least, do yourself a favor and limit sugary foods and beverages.

Remember, sugar will eventually convert to acid when inside of your mouth. From here, an overproduction of acid can erode the enamel on your mouth and eventually produce a cavity. While total avoiding isn’t necessary, it is helpful to limit foods and beverages that are typically high in sugar.

Best Dental Hygiene Tips

Do you want to retain that glowing smile as you age?

If so, it’s crucial to practice the importance of dental oral hygiene from the beginning. To help ensure your smile is just as radiant tomorrow as it is today, we’re sharing our best dental hygiene tips.

From proper hydration and limiting sugary foods to investing in a quality toothbrush and finally incorporating flossing, these tips are both simple and effective. With these dental health tips, you can be well on your way to crafting a smile that looks and feels its best. Go on, it’s time to award yourself the smile that you truly deserve!

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