1. Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops.
2. Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use about 18 inches of floss, wind most of it around one middle finger, and the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently guide it between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between your gum and tooth. Repeat for each tooth.
3. Rinse with mouthwash: Mouthwash helps kill bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath. Swish a mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute before spitting it out.
4. Limit sugary and acidic foods: Try to limit sugary and acidic foods, as they can lead to tooth decay. If you do eat sugary or acidic foods, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward to help prevent cavities.
5. Avoid tobacco products: Tobacco products can stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of oral cancer and gum disease. Quitting tobacco products is one of the best things you can do for your oral health.
6. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps keep your mouth moist, which can help prevent dry mouth (a common cause of bad breath). It also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria in your mouth.
7. Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize acid in your mouth and prevent cavities.
8. Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can detect and treat dental problems early on before they become more serious issues.