Taking care of your oral health can be easy when you build a good routine for it. The best way to improve your dental hygiene is to practice good habits that are easy to follow. Below, we will discuss some tips to help you improve your dental hygiene routine, and improve your smile.

Consistent and Thorough At-Home Dental Hygiene

First, make sure that you are consistent with your dental hygiene regimen at home. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes each time. While brushing, be sure to avoid brushing too roughly. You should also floss between each tooth once a day. A tongue scraper can also be an important inclusion to your at-home cleaning routine. Tongue scrapers help remove bacterial build-up that can lead to bad breath and other issues. Other at-home oral care can include rinsing with mouthwash.

Healthy Diets for a Healthy Mouth

The food and drink you consume play a big role in your overall dental hygiene. A good diet incorporates healthy food, plenty of vitamins and minerals, and plenty of work for your teeth, jaw, and gums. Crunchy vegetables can be an important part of keeping your jaw muscles active and healthy, for example. Food and drinks that are high in acidity, sugar, or carbohydrates can be bad for your teeth and gums. These foods can wear down your teeth and gums. Sugary and starchy foods can promote bacterial growth in the mouth. Drinking plenty of water is also helpful in keeping your mouth clean. Hydration also helps in keeping saliva plentiful.

Investing in Your Dental Hygiene Products

While there are many different kinds of toothpaste and toothbrushes on the market, finding the right ones for you can be important. Your dentist can help recommend which types of products may be right for your needs. Generally, you want fluoride toothpaste, which may include other factors for your needs, such as whitening toothpaste, products for sensitive teeth, cavity protection, etc. For toothbrushes, look for quality bristles that are not too rough. When shopping for electric toothbrushes, invest in one with replaceable heads, and regularly swap them out as directed in the user instructions.
Overall, be sure you choose brands that have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA).

Kick Harmful Habits

There are various daily habits that can seriously impact your dental hygiene. Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits you can have, for both your oral and overall health. Nail biting, heavy alcohol consumption, grinding your teeth, and more can affect your teeth and dental hygiene. Reducing or eliminating these habits can greatly improve your oral health.

Regular Dentist Visits Improve Dental Hygiene

It’s no surprise that seeing your dentist regularly can help you improve your dental hygiene. Regular cleanings, maintenance, and preventative oral care are vital to eliminating dental issues before they become serious. Routine dentist care includes cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and more. Your dentist may suggest other care options as needed. They can also monitor improvements in your at-home care, and work with you to improve your oral health.

A Center for Dental Excellence does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
A Center for Dental Excellence provides expert dental care to the Brooklyn and Staten Island communities we serve. To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact us or call the office you would like to visit. (718) 232-8289 for Brooklyn, and (718) 980-9555 for Staten Island.