10 Daily Habits for Better Oral Health
- May 5 2025
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it just takes a few simple habits each day to protect your smile and avoid problems down the road. You’re already on the right track if you brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly. However, there’s more you can do to keep your mouth in great shape.
Try These 10 Tips to Improve Your Oral Health
Implementing several daily habits can help improve your oral health and protect your smile. Some of the habits you should include in your daily routine are:
1. Brush Twice a Day
This one’s simple, but it matters. Brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed removes food particles and plaque that can lead to decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth effectively without being too harsh on your gums. Try to brush for at least two full minutes each time to give your mouth the attention it needs.
2. Floss Every Day
Flossing does more than just remove food from between your teeth. It also clears out plaque that builds up in the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach, like between teeth and just under the gumline. If you skip flossing, bacteria can collect in those tight areas, which may lead to gum irritation and cavities.
3. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Your tongue can hold a lot of bacteria. Brushing it or using a tongue scraper helps keep your breath fresh and stops germs from spreading to your teeth and gums. It only takes a few seconds but can make a big difference in your oral health.
4. Drink More Water
Water helps wash away leftover food and keeps your mouth from drying out. A dry mouth gives bacteria more room to grow, so sipping water throughout the day can help keep your teeth cleaner.
5. Cut Back on Sugary Snacks
Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth. When those bacteria eat sugar, they make acid that can wear down your enamel. Try to limit sweets and sugary drinks – and if you do have them, rinse with water afterward or brush your teeth when you can.
6. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Apples, carrots, celery, and similar foods help clean your teeth while you chew. They also boost your saliva flow, which helps fight off bacteria. Plus, they’re just good for your overall health!
7. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
After meals, popping in a piece of sugar-free gum can help clean your teeth. It encourages saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away leftover food. Although chewing sugar-free gum helps, it is important not to use it as a replacement for brushing and flossing daily.
8. Use Mouthwash the Right Way
An alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and reduce plaque. Don’t use it as a shortcut instead of brushing or flossing, but it can be a great extra step to add to your routine.
9. Pay Attention to Changes
If your gums are bleeding, your breath smells bad even after brushing, or something just feels off, don’t ignore it. These can be signs of early dental problems that are easier to treat when caught early. Don’t wait for it to get worse. Reach out and let your dentist take a look.
10. Stick to Your Cleanings
You might feel like you are doing everything right at home. However, regular cleanings help us catch the small things before they become big issues. Tartar, for example, can’t be brushed away, but we can remove it during your cleaning. It feels good to leave with that fresh, clean smile.
Contact Our Team Today for More Guidance
Your mouth is part of your whole-body health. By following these daily habits, you can help protect your teeth, gums, and even your confidence. Small actions really do add up – so even if you’re just starting, it’s never too late to build better habits.
At Payam Cohen D.D.S, P.C., we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and bright. If you are having pain or bleeding gums, or just need a check-up, give us a call. If it is time for your cleaning, let’s get that scheduled! We would love to see you and make sure everything is looking great.
Categories: Dental Health