Cavities, gum disease, stained teeth and other more serious dental problems are all something that most of us want to avoid. But in order to avoid these issues, it’s vital to have a good oral hygiene routine in place. Taking good care of your teeth doesn’t only improve their appearance, it also helps to minimize your risk of issues such as gum disease, plaque, cavities, abscesses and even losing teeth. If you’d like to take the first steps towards a healthier mouth and teeth but aren’t sure where to begin, here are some top tips to get you started.

Upgrade Your Toothbrush

Investing in a good quality toothbrush can seriously improve your oral hygiene routine. If you are still using a manual toothbrush, it’s a good idea to give some serious consideration to buying an electric one as they are much more effective at cleaning your teeth. No amount of brushing with a manual toothbrush can provide the same results as an electric brush, which is designed to reach small areas in between the teeth to best remove build-up of food and plaque. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head regularly so that you’re not simply brushing bacteria back onto your teeth.

Floss Daily

Although most people understand the importance of brushing their teeth daily, many don’t realize that daily flossing is just as important. Dental floss can reach areas that even an electric toothbrush can’t get to, dislodging food and substances which have become stuck right in between your teeth. Flossing each time you brush your teeth can help to reduce plaque, reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease and help to keep your teeth a dazzling white.

Visit the Dentist

One of the most important parts of keeping up a healthy oral hygiene routine is regularly visiting your dentist. Depending on the current condition of your teeth you should pay a visit to the dentist at least twice a year. Find a good dentist who will be able to give you good advice about the best things to do to maintain the good health and appearance of your teeth. Having your teeth professionally cleaned and polished at the dentist regularly can also have a significant effect on your oral health.

Drink Water

Drinking plenty of water is just as vital to oral health as it is to other parts of the body. Ideally, you should be aiming to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, as this is what your body needs to flush out toxins. Drinking this amount of water will also help to get rid of toxins in your mouth and substances which are lodged in between your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can also help to improve your oral health by washing away stain-inducing substances and keeping in between your teeth clean.

Do you maintain a healthy routine for oral hygiene? We’d love to hear all your best tips for strong, healthy and white teeth – leave your response in the comments below.