Maintaining good oral health is something that isn’t always easy and takes a decent amount of dedication, but it is always worth it. Our teeth are a part of us and must be maintained; otherwise, we can lose them, and without them, we can face many different issues and problems. This includes declining self-image, mouth infections, tooth and gum decay, and embarrassing bad breath. Yes, it can all happen because of poor dental hygiene and oral health neglect. We have a few ideas of how you can properly maintain good oral health and how you can incorporate them into your everyday life.

Find a dental professional

Alright, we know that there are tons of things you can do at home on your own, but when it comes to taking care of your teeth, there’s nothing that beats seeing a dental professional. A professional can check your gums, roots, molars, and hard-to-reach locations to ensure you aren’t showing any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or of serious issues. If you are new to an area, or you want to find a dentist or hygienist that fits your needs, don’t be afraid to search for “teeth cleaning near me” on the internet in order to find a dental professional you will love.

Brush consistently

Ok, let’s go back to the basics and remind you that you should be brushing a minimum of two times a day. Once in the morning to expel all the nighttime bacteria, and once before bed to get rid of a day’s worth of grime and gunk your teeth have accumulated. Though twice a day is recommended, brushing after every meal is a great way to make sure you are giving your teeth the proper attention and care that they deserve. Try your best to set a habit in place, and once you stick with it and remain dedicated, treat yourself to a fun new toothbrush to celebrate. 

Floss your teeth

You know when your dentist asks you, “have you been flossing?” And you say, “yes, of course.” Well, the time has come to finally start flossing like you claim you do. By introducing flossing into your routine, you can really step up your teeth game, making them stronger and cleaner than ever. Don’t be surprised when your significant other notices a difference in your breath, smile, and overall dental health.

Watch what you eat, and when you eat it

We know it is hard to stay away from super sugary or acidic foods, so we aren’t saying to stay away from them completely, but it is a good idea to only try and eat them when you can brush, floss, or rinse your mouth soon after. That means not eating before bed, in the middle of your work day, and when you are away from your toothbrush. If you can’t resist cravings on the go, think about taking a travel toothbrush with you to work and keeping it at your desk. You can also take it on trips with you to freshen up during the day no matter where you are.

Kick those drink habits

Ok, we get it, coffee is life, and soda sometimes makes your day better. But they both stain and eat away at your teeth; that’s just the facts of it. A great way to kick this habit to the curb is to get a travel mug that only allows you a certain amount of coffee per day, and once it is empty, that’s all you get. If you can, try to add in a glass of water after every meal, too. This will help to rinse your mouth after eating, and it will help you in kicking those cravings for something different.

We hope that with a few of these tips you are able to get one step closer to maintaining good oral health, and that you start to form proper dental health habits that stick with you for a lifetime.