Taking care of your mouth starts a home. Your teeth and gums are like any other body part, so they require a lifetime of care. Without proper care, the nicest of teeth can decay over time. While going to the dentist for regular checkups is important, you can take care of both teeth and gums on your own. The following tips will help you do that.

Brush your teeth before heading to bed

Ask any dentist and they will tell you that brushing twice a day is important. While most people will skip brushing their teeth at night, it is equally as important as brushing in the morning. As the day goes on, bacteria and germs start to fester in the mouth. They will sit on your teeth and seep into your gums. You want to make sure you don’t allow them to flourish as you sleep. Brushing at night ensures that your mouth is clean and the bacteria you accumulate throughout the day are taken care of.

Brush your mouth thoroughly

There is an actual way you are supposed to brush. Doing a poor job will result in oral problems as bacteria will remain on the surface of your teeth and gums. When brushing, make sure you are gently and use a circular motion. You want to brush for 2 minutes and be sure to cover your gums also while you brush to target bacteria that may be in the gumline.

Don’t forget to floss

Many people who brush twice a day still end up developing gum issues such as gingivitis. That is because brushing doesn’t properly cover the gumline. To thoroughly clean your mouth and get rid of harmful bacteria, you need to floss at least once a day. Flossing gets rid of bacteria and debris lodged between the teeth as well as the gumline so you ensure your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned.

If you find it hard to floss with a conventional thread floss, then there are other alternatives such as Waterpik water flosser. These set a Jetstream of water that will help clean debris, working just like floss. These are easier to use as there is no need for you to force anything in the gap between your teeth.

Brush your tongue

The tongue is home to millions of bacteria which can easily go from the tongue to the teeth and gums. Plaque can also start to build upon the tongue. As you brush your teeth and gums, you want to do the same to your tongue also.

Use the right toothpaste

You will find hundreds of toothpaste to choose from, all of which will promise to provide you with the care you need. When it comes to toothpaste, the only thing you need to check is whether it has fluoride or not. You want to make sure to buy fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride will help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy while the unwanted bacteria are tackled.

Use a mouthwash

According to Azalea Dental Ocala, mouthwash is helpful in numerous ways: it helps balance the amount of acid present in the mouth, it gets too hard to reach areas around the gums, and it provides the teeth with the minerals it needs for a healthy look. Overall, mouthwash help restores some balance in your mouth which is why it is important to use mouthwash after you brush your teeth.

Eat right

The food you eat contributes heavily to your oral health. Food and poor oral care can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To protect your mouth from such instances you need to:

Have food that is high on calcium such as yogurt, milk, and cheese. Calcium is important for healthy teeth as it helps to maintain the bone which attaches to the roots of your teeth.

Try to avoid sticky food especially sweets such as soft and hard candies, taffies, and so on. When you do have sweets, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward with water and then brush your teeth when you get a chance. If you want to have chewing gum, then make sure it is sugar-free.

Don’t have food with too much sugar. Bacteria feasts on sugar and it allows them to accumulate, leading to cavities and more major problems such as decay.

You want to limit the intake of acidic and sugary drinks. These pose a threat to the health of your teeth as they target the enamel of the tooth. Too much exposure to such drinks can lead to small holes in the enamel, exposing the teeth to bacteria which can lead to serious problems.

Have lots of green vegetables and fruits.

Drink water every chance you get

It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day. Water is good for both oral and general health. It helps regulate the impact sticky and acidic food have on your mouth by washing the negative effects of them down. It also ensures that your mouth stays hydrated and moist as bacteria tend to flourish when the mouth is dry.

Don’t smoke

Smoking has been linked to causing gum disease. It impacts the immune system which makes it harder for your body to fight gum infection. Smokers have a higher chance of developing gum infection than non-smokers.

While dentists help provide you with preventative measures and guidelines to ensure your mouth is healthy. They won’t be around 24/7 to ensure it happens. You need to take the proper measure at your own end to make sure you have good oral health.

But at the same time, be sure to consult a dentist if you ever feel you have oral issues especially gum-related. Gingivitis is one of those problems that can go undetected, you don’t necessarily need to have swollen, tender, or bleeding gums to have gingivitis. It like other oral problems can become a major issue if it isn’t treated properly and in a timely manner. So be sure to go to your dentist for regular checkups.