Dental hygiene can often be overlooked in favor of skin care, hair care, and nail care, but oral
health is vital to your physical and emotional well-being. If you’re ready to make more of an
effort in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, these six tips on how to add more smart goals to
your oral care routine will help you incorporate habits that will lead to increased dental
health—and a smile you’ll love showing off!
1.Brush at least twice daily
Brushing after every meal is critical to a healthy smile. When you eat, plaque bacteria and food
particles get stuck in your teeth, a substance that builds up over time. When left untreated, it
hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. It’s important to remove plaque
using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice daily in order to prevent further buildup. Once
you brush thoroughly, use floss or interdental cleaners in between your teeth as well as flossing
once daily with dental tape if you don’t have any natural space between your teeth. Flossing
removes debris from areas that are more difficult for a toothbrush or other cleaning tool to reach.
2.Floss daily
Make flossing an important part of your daily routine. Flossing removes plaque from between
teeth, which over time can lead to cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss. Keep a small
container of floss in your bathroom so you’ll remember to do it on a regular basis. The daily
process will soon become second nature, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh breath and cleaner
teeth—not to mention fewer trips to your dentist!
3.Brush with an ionic toothbrush
All-ionic toothbrushes cost a bit more than manual ones, but they’re worth it. They remove more
plaque and are easier on your gums, which makes them better for your oral health. And if you
replace them every two years like you should, they’re much cheaper than going to see a dentist
regularly.
4.Use tongue scrapers
Plaque buildup can occur in a matter of hours, which is why regular cleanings are so important.
Tongue scrapers (either store-bought or homemade) can be used daily to get rid of that nasty
film that tends to accumulate on your tongue. Just give it a little flick and you’ll be surprised at
how much gunk comes off!
5.Consider porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, removable shells that are custom fit to a patient’s teeth. They sit on
top of existing teeth and do not change the shape or structure of a person’s smile. People who
have porcelain veneers say that they feel completely natural when wearing them. Find out if
porcelain veneers are right for you by scheduling an appointment with your dentist