Practicing good dental hygiene does not have to be difficult. Forming good habits now will give you a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. This article will give you tips to help you prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Brushing and Rinsing

Clean your teeth with either floss or an interdental cleaner every night. After flossing, brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste first thing in the morning and before you go to bed. Ideally, you should brush after every meal. If you can’t get away to brush your teeth, flush out your mouth with water after you eat.

Every person should rinse their mouth with mouthwash at least twice a day. To prevent cavities, your dentist may recommend that you start using a rinse that contains fluoride.

Eating and Drinking

When you drink a beverage that is not water, the bacteria in your mouth makes acid that can wreak havoc on your tooth enamel. Avoid excessive snacking and drinking throughout the day. Snacking and drinking sugary beverages can endanger the health of your teeth. 

Tap water may have gotten a bad rap over the years, but did you know that the water from your faucet is good for your teeth? That’s because the water supplies in most cities and towns in the US contain fluoride, which has been proven to significantly decrease the rate of tooth decay in this country. There’s nothing inherently wrong with bottled water, but limiting yourself to the bottled variety will have you missing out on the proven benefits of fluoride.

When it comes to preventing tooth decay and cavities, some foods are better for the cause than others. Don’t eat foods that can get easily get stuck between your teeth for long periods of time, such as popcorn, cookies or chips. If you do eat these foods, brush right after you finish eating. Foods that are good for your dental health include fruits and vegetables. This is because these foods increase your flow of saliva. Unsweetened tea and coffee, as well as sugar free gum, are also tooth friendly because they can help wash away food in your mouth.

These tips are something that everyone can do to promote dental health. One of the best ways to spot cavities and other problems early on is to make regular visits to your dentist at least every six months. Working with your dentist to promote tooth health is a good way to ensure that your smile will be healthy and white for years to come.