Dental care practices are essential for a beautiful smile and overall well-being. Everybody should establish an oral care routine, which entails incorporating several positive habits into one’s daily life to keep the gums, teeth, and tongue clean for years.

So, what does one need to do to maintain good oral health? This article shares important suggestions that kids and adults should follow to maintain a healthy smile between dental visits.

Follow Dentists’ Recommendations

One key step to maintaining good oral health is visiting a dentist regularly. These visits are meant to give the dentist a chance to examine the condition of the mouth and detect any issues like gum disease, cavities, and other common oral problems. Although most people know they need a dental checkup to catch and treat oral problems early, some ignore dentists’ instructions after a checkup.

Dentists offer a practical dental care plan to prevent serious dental problems. So, it is important to follow their advice between the visits to reduce the risk of oral health issues.  

Besides thoroughly examining the mouth, dentists may perform dental cleanings. Dental cleaning removes tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth, keeps the teeth looking whiter, and prevents gum disease, among other oral health complications. However, individuals must use the recommended products to maintain healthy teeth between visits.

Brush and Floss Daily

The teeth need to be brushed twice every day for about two minutes. This practice is necessary to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from the gums and teeth and to prevent oral health problems like gum disease and cavities.

Flossing is also an essential part of oral care. It involves removing anything between the teeth or along the gum line. These are the areas that the toothbrush bristles cannot reach and are susceptible to plaque buildup. Plaque is made of a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth and can damage the gums and teeth if it is not removed often.

Drink Water Regularly

Water can play a significant role in maintaining oral health. When a person drinks it after meals, it helps to balance the acid levels in the mouth. Water can also boost saliva production to protect the teeth against bacteria. Water also prevents the mouth from drying up, reducing the chances of cavities.

Avoid Harmful Habits

Some habits, like excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, can adversely affect oral health. Smoking slows down the gum healing, increasing infection risks. Too much alcohol intake disrupts bacterial balance, which could lead to a dry mouth. It is also important to avoid dangerous activities that could lead to accidents and dental injuries, such as extreme sports without protective gear.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Every day’s meals can promote or affect dental health. Dental experts recommend minimizing sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of developing cavities. Excess sugar promotes the formation of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay. It’s also important to consume vitamin D and calcium-rich meals and beverages to strengthen the teeth. Calcium-rich foods include cheese, milk, and yogurt.

Maintaining oral health between dental visits is not difficult; patients only need to follow dentists’ instructions and adopt these simple habits. Timely dental checkups ensure dental problems are detected early, while the daily oral care routine will keep the teeth healthy for years. So, it is important to keep these guidelines in mind to promote oral health and maintain a beautiful smile.