Everyone wants to have a pearly white smile, fresh breath, and healthy pink gums. But just brushing your teeth every morning isn’t enough for good oral hygiene. Visiting a dentist to get your teeth cleaned professionally helps a lot. But you also need to maintain an oral health care routine for your mouth.
To help you get started, we’ve prepared a list of ten things you can do at home to achieve a healthy mouth in 2024.
1. Pick the Right Toothbrush
Always look for a brush with soft bristles which are small enough to get all around your mouth. Make sure it reaches the crevices of your molars, where food debris can hide after you eat. And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every few months. You should consider buying a new one when its bristles start to wear out.
2. Brush Properly
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is considered to be ideal. Brushing too often can damage the root surface of your teeth and cause gum recession. Position the bristles at 45 degrees and use back and forth strokes across your gums and inner side of the teeth.
3. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element which is perfectly safe if used properly. It is scientifically proven to repair tooth enamel prevent cavities. It also reduces the risk of decay. So always go for a toothpaste with fluoride.
4. Floss Regularly
Flossing can help you remove small food particles that brushing cannot. It effectively removes plaque which is present in between your teeth. Floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.
5. Limit Sugary Foods
Sugars are consumed by bacteria living in dental plaque. They release acids that attack your teeth and cause tooth decay. So try to avoid foods which contain
Sugars are consumed by bacteria living in dental plaque. They release acids that attack your teeth and cause tooth decay. So try to avoid foods which contain high amount of sugar. Have your sugary treats at mealtimes so that the saliva can neutralize the acid.
6. Use a Mouthwash
Mouthwash can go to places where even floss can’t reach. Some mouthwashes contain Chlorine Dioxide which helps to keep the bacteria in control. So using a mouthwash can add up to your oral health care routine even when you’re on the go.
7. Clean your Tongue
Some bacteria can remain on your tongue even after brushing. This contributes to bad breath. So it is necessary to clean your tongue after you’ve done brushing. You can either use the scraper on the back of the head of your toothbrush (if it has one), or you can use a professional tongue cleaner.
8. Avoid Smoking
Tobacco is extremely harmful for your teeth. It can cause oral cancer and many other periodontal complications. So always try to avoid tobacco intake.
9. Consume Water and Foods High in Calcium
A dry mouth increases plaque accumulation and causes tooth decay as well. Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Consuming foods that are high in calcium keeps your gums healthy and makes your teeth strong.
10. Visit your Dentist Every 6 Months
Make sure you visit your dentist for regular checkups and let him/her know if you have any dental problems like bleeding, sensitivity, or pain. This will prevent your dental problems from becoming bigger and more costly.
By following these tips, you can start your oral health care routine from today itself. You can find more tips and guides on our homepage.
Nice tips! I have always been afraid of loosing my tooth lol. I guess you just have to brush your teeth very often. How many times do you recommend to brush my teeth per day?
Hi Lionel,
It is recommended that you brush your teeth AT LEAST 2 times a day. Once in the morning and evening. We will have more articles coming on this later.