The key to having a great smile is maintaining good dental care and oral hygiene. When done correctly, you will maintain fresh breath throughout the entire day, with an infectious white smile to top it. It also helps to keep gum diseases, tooth decay, and many other oral problems at bay. For good oral hygiene, there are a couple of measures which you need to take.

Tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene

Below are a few tips that you can use to ensure that you maintain hygienic conditions in your mouth. They can be used in addition to any other advice given by your dentist.

Brush your teeth

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth properly after every meal. Brushing your teeth helps to remove all food residues in the mouth and plaque from the teeth. If you cannot manage to brush after every meal, you can make it at least twice a day. Ensure that you use the right technique to brush teeth to avoid getting any injuries. Brush for at least 2 minutes using toothpaste and rinse well. Remember to use the right brush, preferably one that has been approved by the International Dental Health Association.

Floss properly

You should floss at least once a day. Flossing ensures that you remove plaque and other food particles from the areas where a toothbrush cannot reach. Use the right flossing technique and ensure that you cover all the teeth surfaces. Use a piece of floss that is long enough to ensure that you don’t reinsert bacteria and food particles that you just removed. Using mouthwash after flossing is also a good idea.

 

Watch your diet

The type of food that you consume may have some direct impact on your oral health. Consume enough amounts of calcium and other minerals to ensure that your teeth are strong. Vitamin B can also help to prevent bleeding gums. Examples of foods that can promote good oral health include milk and fruits. Remember to clean your mouth after taking foods that contribute to bad breath such as garlic, or those that contain food dye which might discolor your teeth.

Visit your dentist

You should visit your dentist at least twice every year. This should be done irrespective of whether you have a problem with your teeth or not. Your dentist should perform a full hygiene treatment and other comprehensive exams that may help in detection and prevention of potential dental problems.