Taking care of your teeth and gums is much easier than people make it out to be. Simple daily habits like brushing and flossing can make a big difference in preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. In this blog, we'll share ten easy and practical tips to help you keep your teeth and gums in great shape. So let’s begin-

1. Brush Before Bed

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but many people often skip the nighttime brushing. Brushing before bed is crucial because it helps get rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate on your teeth throughout the day. During the day, food particles and bacteria can build up, forming plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed. By brushing before you go to sleep, you ensure that your mouth is clean, and you can maintain better oral health.

2. Brush Correctly

It's not enough to just brush your teeth, you need to do it correctly. Brushing your teeth the wrong way can be almost as bad as not brushing at all. To brush properly, use gentle, circular motions with your toothbrush to remove plaque. Don’t rush, take your time to cover all surfaces of your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease.

3. Don't Forget Your Tongue

Your tongue can also harbour plaque and bacteria, leading to bad breath and other oral health problems. Every time you brush your teeth, make sure to gently brush your tongue as well. This will help remove the bacteria and keep your breath fresh. A clean tongue is just as important as clean teeth for overall oral hygiene.

4. Use Fluoride Toothpaste

When selecting toothpaste, it’s important to choose one that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents cavities. Despite some concerns about fluoride, it remains an important ingredient for oral health. Fluoride works by fighting the germs that can cause tooth decay and by providing a protective barrier for your teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Also Read - Benefits of Fluoride Toothpaste

5. Floss Daily

Many people who brush regularly still neglect to floss, but flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line, areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. By flossing daily, you can help stimulate your gums, reduce plaque, and lower inflammation. These benefits make flossing a key part of maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease.

6. Overcome Flossing Difficulties

If you find flossing difficult, especially for children or older adults with arthritis, there are tools available to make the process easier. Ready-to-use dental flossers and floss picks can help you clean between your teeth without struggling with traditional floss. These tools can make flossing more convenient and effective, ensuring that everyone in your family can maintain good oral hygiene.

7. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be a useful addition to your oral care routine, although many people overlook it. Mouthwash helps in several ways: it reduces the amount of acid in your mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes your teeth. Using mouthwash can help bring your oral hygiene routine into balance. It’s particularly beneficial for children and older adults who might not brush and floss as properly. 

8. Drink More Water

Water is the best beverage for your overall health, including your oral health. Drinking water after every meal can help wash away food particles and reduce the effects of sticky and acidic foods. Water helps keep your mouth clean and can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating, to maintain a healthy mouth.

9. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables is not only good for your overall health but also great for your teeth. These foods require more chewing, which helps to clean your teeth and stimulate your gums. Crunchy fruits and vegetables also contain more healthy fiber. Eating harder-to-chew foods from a young age to help develop strong teeth and jaws. Avoid overly processed and mushy foods that don’t offer the same benefits.

10. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can erode your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tea, and coffee, can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t need to eliminate these foods entirely, it’s important to be mindful of their effects on your teeth. Try to limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods, and always rinse your mouth with water afterward to help protect your enamel.

Your everyday habits play a big role in maintaining good oral health, but even the best brushers and flossers need to visit a dentist regularly. Ideally, you should have your teeth cleaned and checked by a dentist at least twice a year. Dentists can remove hardened plaque (calculus), check for cavities, and identify any potential problems early on, providing solutions before they become serious issues.

By following these ten tips, you can significantly improve your oral health. Easy to obey and understand, they will help put you on the right routine for dental care.

Written by Dr. Shipra Jaiswal, BDS, MDS, a Periodontist and Gums Specialist