Caring for your teeth in the right way is the key to an impeccable smile and good oral hygiene. However, there are certain things you should do and certain things that you should avoid doing to maintain this. Let's take a look at some of the dos and don'ts recommended by our dentist office.

Do: Schedule Regular Appointments

Making regular appointments with the dentist office is highly recommended. Getting your teeth checked and professionally cleaned is an essential part of keeping up with your hygiene. This should be done every six months. Your dentist will also check your mouth, tongue, and gums for any irregularities.

Do: Brush and Floss Twice a Day

For healthy teeth, you must brush two or three times daily. It's especially important to brush after eating sugary foods. You should also floss in tandem with brushing to get rid of food particles that get stuck between the teeth. If you're unsure how to floss properly or need a tool that's easier to use, ask your dentist to help you.

Do: Brush Your Tongue

Brushing or scraping your tongue every day after brushing with a tongue scraper often goes overlooked. This can remove bacteria, debris, and built-up dead cells from the tongue. It also reduces bad breath, improves your sense of taste, and enhances your general health. It can be a small confidence booster to improve the appearance of your tongue, too.

Don't: Put Objects in Your Mouth

According to NexHealth, 61% of Americans use only their fingernails to remove food from their teeth. A smaller percentage use cutlery, safety pins, and strands of hair instead of simply flossing. These methods pose substantial risks of transferring germs to the mouth and can cause injury and damage to the enamel and gums. Developing a twice-daily oral care routine can put you in great shape to channel all your teeth-cleaning tasks into one session.

Don't: Drink Acidic Beverages

Consuming acidic beverages regularly can be horrible for your teeth. These include coffee, tea, alcohol, fruit juices, carbonated drinks like soda, and energy drinks. Over time, these slowly wear the enamel down and can cause tooth erosion at multiple sites in your mouth. If you do drink these regularly, consider healthy substitutes, strategies to avoid sipping the beverages over long periods of time, or brushing your teeth immediately afterward.

Don't: Brush Vigorously

Brushing too hard can also wear down your enamel. It can also cause irreversible damage to your gums. Your dentist will show you the correct technique to brush your teeth and the appropriate brush to use. Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

Following these basic rules can go a long way in maintaining your oral health. Your dentist will also advise you on other recommended strategies to keep you healthy. Book your appointment with the dentist office at Alliance Family Dentistry and begin your journey towards immaculate teeth and healthy gums.