Oral hygine is something we all know we should care about but honestly, lot of ppl dont do it right or just half-ass it. Brushing twice a day is basic but even then most people rush or miss important stuff.
So if you wanna keep your teeth healthy and avoid painful dentist visits (and big bills lol), here are some dentist-approved tips that actually work. No fancy stuff, just what matters.
1. Brush Twice a Day – But Properly
Everyone says brush twice but lot of ppl do it wrong.
Dentists say:
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Brush for 2 minutes (most ppl do 30 seconds and call it a day)
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Use soft bristles, hard brushes hurt your gums
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Don’t scrub hard, use gentle circular motions
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Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when bristles look bad
Oh and brush your tongue too, lots of smell comes from there.
2. Flossing is NOT optional
Nobody likes flossing, it’s annoying af. But brushing alone can’t clean between teeth and that’s where plaque hides.
Dentists recommend flossing once a day to avoid cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
If regular floss is hard, try floss picks or water flossers. Anything better than nothing.
3. Mouthwash Helps Too
Mouthwash isn’t just for fresh breath, it kills bacteria and protect gums.
Use alcohol free if strong ones burn your mouth. And pick one with fluoride to protect from cavities.
Use after brushing and flossing, not instead of them.
4. Cut down on Sugar (yeah i know)
Sugar is worst enemy of teeth. Bacteria eat sugar and make acid which destroys enamel.
Tips:
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Don’t sip sugary drinks all day, drink it fast instead
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Rinse mouth with water after sweets if no brush option
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Eat sweets with meals not alone
Watch hidden sugars in sauces, snacks, cereals too.
5. Go to Dentist even if nothing hurts
Most ppl wait till tooth hurts badly to go dentist, bad idea.
Go every 6 months for cleaning and checkups. Early problems easier and cheaper to fix.
6. Drink more water
Water rinses food bits and neutralizes acid. Keeps mouth from getting dry.
Dry mouth = bad breath + cavity risk.
Keep water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.
7. Don’t Brush Right After Eating Acidic Food
Brushing right after orange juice or soda can harm enamel more.
Wait 30 mins before brushing after acidic food/drink.
Rinse with water meanwhile.
8. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
Don’t just pick whitening or natural toothpaste if no fluoride.
Ask dentist if unsure.
9. Teeth Grinding is real problem
If jaw hurts in morning, you may grind teeth at night.
Dentist can give night guard.
Grinding wears teeth fast, not good.
10. Chew sugar-free gum sometimes
Sugar free gum with xylitol increase saliva which cleans mouth.
Don’t overdo it, not replacement for brushing.
Bonus tips
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Don’t rinse after brushing, let toothpaste sit
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Spit don’t rinse with water
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Use straw for acidic drinks
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Clean toothbrush holder often, it gets dirty
Final thoughts
Good oral hygiene is more than just no cavities. It’s health overall.
Poor oral care linked to heart problems, digestion, and mood.
Dentist visits cost alot, better prevent than cure.
So brush, floss, rinse, and go dentist regularly.
If unsure about your routine, ask your dentist to help.
Just be consistent, not perfect.