A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums, and the only way to achieve it is by maintaining good oral hygiene. Conversely, neglecting your oral health can lead to dental problems like discolored teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, etc.

Most dentists and hygienists offer tips on maintaining your dental hygiene and flaunting a beautiful smile at all times. If you follow these tips, you can maintain your oral health along with the appearance of your teeth.

Here is a list of 10 steps to give you healthy teeth and gums and a beautiful smile.

1. Brushing Regularly

Brushing teeth daily is the basics of oral care hygiene. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day to have a clean mouth. The use of cavity-fighting toothpaste is also recommended to strengthen the teeth. Moreover, it is advisable to use gentle, circular motions on the teeth surface to ensure proper cleaning. Ensure to clean the edges and backs of the teeth too to discourage the build-up of plague. To combat bad breath, you must clean your teeth and inner cheeks.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing daily is advice that most dentists give and yet most patients ignore. Flossing requires a person to spare just a few minutes, but this is missed by most people. It's best to floss every night before brushing your teeth to remove food particles that your toothbrush cannot dislodge. Only brushing your teeth may cause small food particles and other deposits to stay between your teeth for longer and develop decay. Adding just two minutes of flossing to your daily routine can save you from tooth decay and cavity. Flossing can reach all tight spaces in your mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach.

3. Change Your Toothbrush Regularly

A toothbrush with proper bristles is mandatory for cleaning your teeth thoroughly. It is best to change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months, depending on when its bristles begin to wear out. A damaged toothbrush won't be able to clean your teeth thoroughly and may cause damages to your gums. Also, it is recommended to clean your toothbrush before and after every use to maintain hygiene. It will also help if you dry and store your toothbrush correctly to maintain its condition for longer. Dentists also recommend changing your toothbrush after any illness as there's a risk of bacteria remaining on your toothbrush and being reintroduced into your body.

4. Use a Fluoride Mouthwash

A fluoride mouthwash is another addition that you must make to your daily routine. Mouthwash containing fluoride keeps your teeth clean and helps in strengthening them too. Rinse your mouth using the mouthwash as per the instructions mentioned on the bottle. Regular use of a mouthwash can keep your breath smelling fresh at all times.

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5. Eat Healthily

A start to a healthy mouth is from a healthy body. This is why eating a well-balanced diet daily is essential to maintain your oral and overall health. It is best to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid sweetened foods like candy, soft drinks, etc. Adding leafy greens, yogurt and cheese to your diet can help strengthen the teeth and protect them from various diseases.

6. Avoid smoking

It is a known fact that smoking affects your lungs. However, not many people know that smoking can lead to dental issues like tooth staining, tooth loss, gum diseases, or oral cancer. Another way to maintain your oral, as well as overall health, is to quit smoking. Giving up on tobacco can prove beneficial for your health in the long run.

7. Avoid Too Much Caffeine

Excessive caffeine consumption causes staining of teeth, and hence dentists recommend avoiding drinking too much coffee in a day. A cup or two of coffee in a day is fine. However, having four or more cups of coffee can discolor your teeth and cause dental hygiene issues like tooth decay or gum disease. It would help if you switched to healthier options like milk to strengthen the teeth and build strong enamel.

8. Avoid Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages like sodas and sparkling water can erode the teeth’ surface. Hence, consuming too much of these beverages can prove harmful to your oral health. Carbonation from these drinks occurs due to carbon dioxide that turns acidic in the mouth and causes the teeth to decay slowly. Unfortunately, once a tooth begins to erode, there's no treatment to reverse the process. Therefore, it is best to limit the consumption of carbonated beverages to maintain your oral health.

9. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking sufficient water is beneficial for your oral health. A well-hydrated body maintains a healthy saliva flow that is an essential factor in maintaining oral health. If there's sufficient saliva in your mouth, the food particles will move quickly inside without lodging on your teeth. Food particles that get stuck on your teeth cause bacteria to grow, thus resulting in decay.

10. Schedule A Dental Check-up Every 6 Months

It is recommended to have regular dental check-ups done by your dentist to maintain your oral health. You must schedule an appointment once every six months to allow your dentist to check the overall condition of your mouth. If there's a cavity that has just begun, your dentist can spot it, treat it and prevent the problem from growing. Apart from this, it is recommended to keep a close eye on your teeth and gums in between the check-up sessions. If you find something unusual or different in your mouth, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible.

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Achieving a healthy smile requires plenty of care. However, following these simple steps can keep you away from various dental issues and give you a beautiful smile. It would help incorporate all of these steps into your daily oral health care routine to get optimal results. If you want more information on maintaining your teeth and gums, it is recommended to visit a dental clinic, and seek advice from a dentist.

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