Everyone wants a healthy smile. With the right habits, it can be easy to achieve. While it’s essential to schedule regular cleanings with a dentist, ideal dental hygiene starts at home. By incorporating the following habits into your oral health routine, you can keep your pearly whites shining for years to come. 

How to Improve Your Dental Health

1. Brush Properly

Cleaning your mouth twice per day is not enough if you don’t do it correctly. Get the most out of the task by switching to an electric toothbrush and use it for around two minutes. Doing so ensures you thoroughly remove plaque from the surface of your teeth, gums, and tongue. 

2. Use Mouthwash

Talk to your dentist at your next cleaning about which mouthwash is best. They will recommend an option that will kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth. Using the right solution will prevent cavities and gingivitis, as well as freshen your breath. 

3. Start Flossing

While dentists recommend flossing daily, too many people skip this important step. Doing so gets rid of any food and plaque that is stuck between your teeth. Since your toothbrush can’t reach these places, this step is essential to your oral health routine. 

4. Avoid Staining Habits

Certain foods, drinks, and lifestyles stain your teeth and eventually turn them yellow. Limit beverages like coffee and red wine, and steer clear of dark sauces. If you smoke or chew tobacco, kick the habit immediately. Even the best hygiene can be derailed by these activities. 

5. Make Dentist Appointments

In addition to all the above, it’s crucial to schedule regular visits with the dentist. Cleaning appointments and checkups are key to monitoring your dental hygiene. You can bring up any concerns, and they will address minor issues before they worsen. 

Are you overdue for a cleaning? Dr. David K. Skeels in Rochester, NY, provides quality general and cosmetic dentistry to patients. With his individualized approach, Dr. Skeels and his staff offer a calm and friendly environment. Following a free initial consultation, he will create a dental health plan that works for you, which may include implants, dental crowns, and other specialized procedures. For more information on how he can assist, visit the website, or call (585) 467-7000 to make an appointment.