Good oral hygiene doesn’t just make an individual’s smile look bright and shiny. It also protects people from various dental issues that can be costly and complex to correct. The good news is that keeping one’s oral health in good shape primarily comes down to simple daily habits. Following these habits keeps one’s teeth and gums healthy, allowing them to enjoy their life without dental worries. Here are five tips for maintaining good oral hygiene habits so individuals can protect their smiles.

1. Brush properly at least twice per day

Brushing twice a day is the cornerstone of good oral health. It removes food particles, plaque, and other debris from teeth and gums. The toothpaste can also strengthen the enamel, and brushing leaves an individual’s breath smelling and feeling fresh.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each session, covering all surfaces of all teeth. Angle the brush upward to remove food particles and debris from the gum line. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush in gentle, circular motions without pressing too hard to prevent harm to the gums.

2. Floss once daily

Brushing doesn’t remove everything, especially between teeth and some parts below the gumline. Flossing once a day, ideally at the end of the day, helps clean the areas a toothbrush can’t reach well. Flossing reduces one’s risk of gum disease, bad breath, and potential infection. Consider flossing before brushing at the end of the day so that the toothbrush can sweep more debris out of the mouth.

To floss properly, use an 18-inch strand of floss. Wrap most of the floss around one finger and use a small section to floss the first tooth. Then, unwind the wound end of the floss a bit while winding the used section as it moves between each tooth. This allows the individual to use a fresh and clean section, removing the risk of accidentally moving debris to a different tooth.

Be gentle with each tooth, carefully working the floss back and forth to get it between them. Curve it into a C-shape to apply slight pressure against the tooth and gums to remove the debris. 

3. Consider mouthwash

Mouthwash helps an individual cover all their oral health routine bases, enhance overall oral cleanliness, and, if it’s a flavored mouthwash, leave their breath feeling and smelling fresh. Not only does mouthwash catch any loose debris brushing and flossing miss, but the active ingredients can also promote oral health. For example, fluoride mouthwashes bolster enamel to prevent cavities. Meanwhile, antibacterial mouthwashes can remove bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. Use mouthwash one to two times a day after brushing and flossing. To use properly, swish for 30 seconds, being careful not to swallow, then spit the mouthwash out.

4. Avoid tobacco products

Tobacco products can stain an individual’s teeth, worsen their breath, and increase their risk of numerous dental health problems, such as:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Dry mouth
• Oral cancer

Quitting smoking and other tobacco product use can reduce the risk of these issues dramatically. It also makes correcting cosmetic issues, such as stained teeth, easier. If one wants to quit using tobacco products but are struggling, seek out a healthcare provider for tips and support.

5. Visit the dentist regularly

Even the best at-home oral health routines may miss some spots. Visiting the dentist in Georgetown, TX, every six months helps address these areas to keep one’s mouth squeaky clean. Furthermore, some dental issues don’t make themselves known right away. By the time an individual notices a problem, the necessary procedure may be complex and costly, depending on the issue. 

Regular dental visits allow the dentist to check for these issues via exams and X-rays. That way, they can take action early to solve the problem when it’s simpler and less expensive. For example, dental crown costs can be much higher than the costs of fillings. A dental crown is often necessary to save or replace a badly decayed tooth. Meanwhile, fillings are less invasive than crowns. They may be sufficient if a patient only has a cavity and no major tooth decay.

The bottom line

Good oral health comes down to maintaining the right routine. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are the core of an individual’s daily routine. Quitting and avoiding tobacco products can significantly reduce the risk of various oral health issues and prevent tooth discoloration and bad breath. However, it’s key to visit the dentist regularly. They can get any missed spots and catch warning signs of issues early so that simpler, lower-cost procedures are sufficient. By following these practices, individuals can keep their teeth and gums happy and healthy for years to come.