5 Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Keeping your teeth healthy takes more than just brushing and flossing daily.

From helping you to eat and speak, to adding some sparkle to a smile, your teeth need a lifetime of care. While brushing and flossing are crucial, using the right toothpaste, cleaning your tongue and dental check-ups are among the other important ways to maintaining oral hygiene.

If you follow these five tips, looking after your pearly whites won’t have to be a teeth-clenching task:

Brush Before You Go to Bed

Brushing twice a day can keep your smile bright and your breath fresh. However, brushing before you hit the hay is also recommended, as it gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulates throughout the day.

Change Your Toothbrush Regularly

If the bristles of your toothbrush start to weaken and fray at the ends – making it less effective in removing plaque – that’s a sign to change your toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and rinse them properly after brushing.

Clean Your Tongue

Plaque also builds up on your tongue, which can lead to problems such as bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your tongue gently with your toothbrush or use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue’s surface.

Use Fluoride

A natural mineral that hardens tooth enamel and prevents cavities, fluoride is essential for maintaining your teeth. Use fluoridated toothpaste or rinse your mouth out with mouthwashes that contain fluoride.

Visit Your Dentist

If you need to leave your teeth in capable hands, dentists and dental hygienists are ready to assist you. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and check-ups, and raise any concerns that you may have about keeping your teeth healthy.