Photo by Shiny Diamond from Pexels Brushing and flossing are essential components of a healthy dental practice. However, there are other things you can do to help keep your teeth and gums healthy, which will improve your general health.

1. BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE PER DAY FOR TWO MINUTES

Regular care is the first step in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, as recommended by the 2x2 rule, will assist to keep plaque at bay. Patients with children should teach this notion as early as possible and find methods to make it enjoyable. You may play a music while they clean their teeth, or set a timer for two minutes. Spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth to make cleaning every tooth simpler (upper right side, upper left side, lower right side, lower left side). It is essential to use the correct procedures to ensure that the teeth are cleaned properly and that the soft tissue around them is not damaged. Angle the brush head towards the gums in gentle circular strokes. Clean all surfaces, as well as the gum line, on both the front and back of your teeth. Some people feel that using an electric toothbrush is beneficial as well.

2. FLOSS EVERY DAY

It is important to floss every night before brushing to eliminate everything that your toothbrush cannot remove. Many patients confess to neglecting this step, although it is an essential element of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Small particles of food and other deposits missed by your toothbrush might gradually grow into decay if you merely brush and opt not to floss. To prevent this, make flossing a two-minute part of your daily regimen. When you first start flossing, it may sting your delicate gums. This is normal and will subside after a few days of flossing. When flossing, be sure to move it up and down the whole tooth. Tight gaps are one of the most crucial locations to floss since your toothbrush cannot reach these regions.

3. REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH AS IT SHINES

As a general guideline, replacing it every 3 to 6 months should maintain it in good enough form to thoroughly clean your teeth. Damaged or frayed toothbrushes cannot clean the surface of your teeth properly and might cause gum injury. Replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis also helps to keep it clean. Always clean your toothbrush well before storing it to allow it to dry. If you've been ill, be sure to change your toothbrush to avoid reintroducing germs into your mouth.

4. GO TO THE DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS

If you have frequent dental checkups, your dentist will be able to prevent problems from occurring, or at the very least detect them early. Regular visits also enable your teeth to have a complete professional cleaning twice a year, eradicating any plaque and tartar accumulation and promoting the health of your teeth and gums.

5. KEEP A HEALTHY DIET

Avoiding sweetened foods (such as soda, sports drinks, and candy) and eating calcium-rich meals can assist to promote strong and healthy teeth. As an added bonus, your body will thank you! Leafy greens, almonds, yogurt, and cheese are among foods that might help strengthen your teeth. Speak with your dentist about foods that will help keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

6. MAKE USE OF DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Brushing and flossing are important for preventative dental health, but you can also assist maintain your teeth in good shape by including supplementary aids into your regimen. Mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental cleaners, and tongue cleansers are examples of these goods. These tools may assist maintain excellent oral health and should be used in addition to (rather than in place of) regular brushing and flossing.

7. STAY HYDRATE DURING THE DAY

Not only is enough hydration beneficial to your general health, but it also aids in the maintenance of a healthy saliva flow. Saliva promotes dental health by transporting food particles through your mouth, preventing the majority of them from being lodged in your teeth, where germs may thrive. It also keeps your mouth moist and comfy.

8. DO NOT SMOKE

Smoking causes both cosmetic problems, such as tooth discoloration, and serious health problems, such as gum (periodontal) disease, which may lead to tooth loss, and oral cancer, among other things. Quitting smoking is one of the finest things you can do for your oral and general health.

9. THINK ABOUT DENTAL SEALANTS

Dental sealant plugs the depressions and grooves (fissures) in your molars and premolars, preventing cavities and plaque buildup. Sealants are beneficial to most individuals, but children and teenagers are ideal candidates since they do not brush as effectively as adults, resulting in a greater risk of cavities.

10. EXAMINE THE INSIDE OF YOUR MOUTH AT HOME ON A REGULAR BASIS

While frequent dental examinations are an effective preventative step, problems may arise in the months between appointments. To avoid significant problems, do a fast inspection of the interior of your mouth as part of your regular routine. Examine your teeth and gums for any changes or unusualities. Make sure to discuss this information with your dentist at your next visit, or phone the office if you see anything problematic. Regular self-examinations are helpful to your health.