Good oral health is not too hard to achieve. All you need to do is adopt healthy oral habits. You also need to keep up with regular checkups and cleanings to maintain your oral health. Listed below are some things you can do at home to maintain good oral health.

Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is very important. While most people understand the importance of these habits, not everyone remembers to follow through with them. Try setting a reminder on your phone so you never forget! You may also consider investing in an electric toothbrush that vibrates every two to three minutes to remind you to switch sides. This helps ensure that you brush long enough to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth.

Not sure which toothpaste is best for you? Ask your dentist at your next appointment for a recommendation. Not all varieties are beneficial for all patients, and some may be too abrasive for your enamel. 

Flossing Daily

Brushing and flossing are important aspects of oral hygiene, but flossing is often neglected. This is because it can be difficult to floss between teeth, and many people don’t like flossing because it can be uncomfortable. However, the benefits of flossing regularly greatly outweigh the difficulties associated with doing this task.

Using Mouthwash Regularly

Another simple way to maintain good oral health is by rinsing your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals or snacks. While brushing and flossing remove food particles from your teeth, mouthwash helps to remove leftover food and bacteria from your teeth and gums. It’s best to use mouthwash that contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash also helps to reduce bad breath caused by bacteria and germs in your mouth.

Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can actually dry out your mouth and cause irritation, which can increase your risk of cavities in the long run. To prevent this, choose a non-alcohol-based mouth rinse that is approved by the American Dental Association. 

Regular Visits to Your Dentist

Cleanings every six months are only part of good home oral health. A dentist is trained to identify many common oral health problems in their earliest stages. Before they ever cause pain, discomfort, or other more serious complications, a dentist can detect the cause of your oral issues and work to treat the problem before it worsens. In some cases, dentists can also provide you with tips and tools to further prevent and reduce your risk of experiencing the same issue again in the future.

If you need any dental procedure, visit Lifetime Smile at 101 Lakeforest Blvd Suite 101, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or call (301) 869-1170. We provide patients with custom-made restorations that are reliable, durable, and natural-looking.