How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy: 6 Non-Negotiable, Daily Habits To Maintain Optimal Oral Health

An unshakable weight bears you down, as your tired body pleads with you to go to sleep. The thought of jumping out of bed to brush, floss, and rinse is likely the last thing on your mind, and you may even convince yourself that skipping it this one time is negligible. But, learning how to keep your teeth healthy is all about understanding that a simple skip like this can turn into one too many, and before you know it, cavities are forming and bad breath is unbeatable. So, what do you do? You build a list of non-negotiable, daily habits that you commit to so that you remain consistent in safeguarding your teeth from the long-term consequences of poor oral hygiene.

A Non-negotiable List For How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Strong

One of the best ways to avoid expensive dental bills is to simply learn how to keep your teeth healthy in the first place, so you don’t have to deal with cavities forming, stripped enamel, or even chips and cracks. But, if you’re someone who’s just had a ton of work done and is stepping out of the office with renewed teeth, then this list will also work for you.

1. Use The Right Motions and Always Be Picky On The Toothpaste.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a well-known recommendation, but what’s not always talked about is focusing on the right movements. Grab a soft-bristled brush and use gentle, circular motions to effectively remove plaque. Pay careful attention to where your teeth meet your gum line, and try not to over-brush. Finally, be picky on the toothpaste and always select one that has fluoride, as it helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel.

2. How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy? Don’t Neglect Flossing!

While brushing helps clean the surface of your teeth, flossing is all about removing the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Neglecting flossing can lead to plaque and tartar build-up, which contributes to gum disease. You want to aim for flossing at least once a day, and if traditional flossing is challenging for you, add in a water-based flosser and dental flossing sticks (D-shaped) for a more enjoyable experience.

3. Hydrate With Water to Neutralize Acids!

When it comes to hydration, drinking water should be your number one choice. A good rule to abide by is to drink water after meals to help rinse away harmful acids and particles left behind from foods and beverages. Frequent water intake neutralizes acid, keeps your mouth hydrated, and reduces tooth decay risk.

4. Be Mindful Of Your Eating Habits.

Opt for fresh, crunchy produce that contains fiber, as this stimulates saliva production and promotes natural teeth cleaning. Avoid an excessive intake of sugary and acidic foods, as this will erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. If you are going to eat sugary items, eat them all in one shot rather than throughout the day, as this will reduce the number of “acid attacks” that happen against your teeth.

5. Don’t Underestimate Mouthwash Rinses!

While mouthwash isn’t always considered an essential item for how to keep your teeth healthy, we still recommend it as it reduces acid levels in the mouth, and helps to clean hard-to-brush areas. Some mouthwashes can even strengthen and repair weak spots through a process called re-mineralization.

6. Make Regular Dental Appointments.

One of the best habits to get into is to book yourself in for regular dental checkups at least twice a year, and don’t skip them! This is how you keep your teeth healthy and in good repair, as these visits will remove calculus from your teeth, and work as a way to detect common problems early on. If your dental insurance allows for more frequent visits, take advantage of them to prevent future complications!

By incorporating these daily habits as non-negotiable into your oral care routine, you can significantly improve and prolong the health of your teeth. If you have questions about maintaining your dental health, our team here at Tampa Palms Dentistry is happy to help! Give us a call at (813) 333-1922 or book an appointment today for a comprehensive oral health assessment.