A beautiful smile and a healthy smile are one in the same. If you want to be confident when showing off your pearly whites, first you’ll need clean gums and teeth. You know brushing and flossing are essential parts of dental care, but there are other lifestyle habits that affect the health of your mouth. Here are four things you can do on a regular basis to improve the health of your teeth and gums.

Lifestyle Changes For Healthier Teeth

1. Brush For Longer

Researchers have found that while most people make it a habit to brush their teeth, they’re not brushing for long enough. When you’re already late for work or tired and ready for bed, it can be easy to skimp on your dental care routine. But to make brushing worth the effort, you need to do it for at least two minutes.

1. Eat More Fruit

An apple a day might not keep the doctor away, but it will help you strengthen your teeth. Apples and other kinds of crunchy fruit stimulate the flow of saliva. Saliva is the mouth’s built-in cleanser, and it helps eliminate plaque and bacteria growth.

1. Replace Your Toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush at least every two months. Brushing works to remove bacteria from your teeth, but it’s only natural that some of that bacteria ends up sticking to your toothbrush. Brushing with a dirty toothbrush won’t do your teeth any favors.

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

There’s a lot you can do in regards to dental care on your own, but there’s no substitute for seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams give your dentist the opportunity to spot potential problems early on.

Maintaining a healthy smile may seem like a full-time job, but once you integrate these changes into your life, safeguarding your smile will become second nature. The dental care professionals at Pediatric Dental Group work hard to lead patients toward a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. If you’re looking for a dentist you can trust in Honolulu, HI, schedule an appointment at (808) 593-8828 or visit their website for more information.