Practicing good oral hygiene habits is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. In fact, researchers have determined that inflammation and bacteria in the mouth can increase the risk of certain diseases, like diabetes and heart disease. When you brush and floss regularly, you’re halfway to a healthy mouth, but you also need to visit your family dentist twice a year for a cleaning and dental exam. If you cannot remember the last time you had a professional cleaning, head to Bethel Family Dentistry in Clermont County, OH. Below, their caring team shares a few tips for maintaining your smile between visits.

3 Oral Hygiene Tips for Protecting Your Teeth & Gums

1. Brush for at Least 2 Minutes

When it comes to brushing your teeth, duration matters just as much as frequency. Brushing twice a day isn’t going to help you maintain a healthy mouth if you’re not brushing for at least two minutes every time. Set a timer for your next brushing session to see just how long you’re doing it for, and use a stopwatch morning and night until you can effectively estimate the length of two minutes.

2. Practice Your Flossing Technique

Much like brushing, flossing properly is just as important as flossing often. For example, you should always work with a piece of floss that is long enough for you to use a clean section every time you move to a new tooth.

3. Scrape Your Tongue

If your toothbrush has a tongue scraper on the back, use it every time you brush. This will ensure the germs that cause bad breath do not hang around. You can also purchase a separate tongue scraper, which you should use as part of your daily routine.

If you’re overdue for a dental cleaning or experiencing oral health issues, turn to Bethel Family Dentistry today. Visit their website to learn more about the compassionate team at this dental office, and call (513) 734-2029 to discuss your oral hygiene needs today.