As any dentist will tell you, caring for your teeth at home is vital for a healthy mouth. Unfortunately, with today's hectic lifestyles, it can be easy to neglect your teeth and let bad habits take over. However, there are plenty of easy ways to ensure your teeth stay in top shape without adding too much time to your daily routine.

1. Daily Brushing

For starters, brushing twice daily is a must for good oral hygiene habits. According to Colgate, you should brush every morning and night for two minutes. This practice helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, preventing tooth decay and other problems. To properly brush your teeth, start at the gum line and use a soft-bristled toothbrush in gentle circular motions to scrub away any debris. Don't forget to clean the surface of your tongue, as this can help with bad breath.

2. Tongue Scraping

Some cultures utilize the practice of tongue scraping. It involves running a specialized tool over the surface of your tongue to remove bacteria and other debris. Many tongue scrapers are on the market, but they all generally work by scraping away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. It's important to scrape gently, as too much pressure can cause damage to the delicate surface of your tongue. Your local dentist or pharmacy should have a variety of tongue scrapers to choose from.

3. Flossing

Flossing is another important part of daily oral hygiene, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth that brushing alone can't reach. Flossing should be done once a day, according to Colgate, as well as carefully and gently. Start by winding the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches between them. Grip the floss tightly and move it up and down the sides of each tooth, while getting beneath the gum line. Flossing helps reduce the buildup of plaque on your teeth.

4. Using Mouthwash

Using mouthwash is another great way to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria. Mouthwash helps rinse away food particles, bacteria, and plaque, giving your teeth an extra layer of protection from decay and other problems. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash as this can help reduce the risk of dry mouth, a common side effect of alcohol-based varieties.

5. Changing Diet

Your diet can also play a big role in the health of your teeth. Limiting sugary or acidic foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay while eating plenty of crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can help scrub away plaque and bacteria. Additionally, calcium-rich foods such as cheese and yogurt can help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

6. Limiting Hard Foods

Some hard foods like nuts are good for you. However, hard candy or foods with little pits can cause chips or fractures in your teeth. For example, olives and cherries are soft but have hard pits. Make sure those foods are properly pitted before chowing down on them to avoid an emergency trip to the dentist.

7. Avoiding Staining Food and Drinks

There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine. However, these drinks can cause stains on your teeth over time. To reduce the risk of staining, drink plenty of water or rinse with mouthwash after drinking staining drinks. Additionally, you should avoid smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, as these can cause serious discoloration and even damage your teeth.

7. Wearing Mouthguards

If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can be a great way to protect your teeth from grinding or damage. Mouthguards are available at most sporting goods stores and pharmacies, but for a better fit and more protection, you will want to visit your dentist for a custom-fitted mouthguard. As a general rule, dentist-recommended products and habits are ones worth investing your time and money in.

8. Rinsing With Water

Some people are vigilant about brushing after each meal. However, it's not always possible to do so. Luckily, you can use some good old-fashioned water to help rinse away food particles in between meals. Simply swish some water around your mouth and spit it out for a quick refresher. This practice can help reduce the buildup of plaque and bacteria.

While it's essential to visit the dentist routinely, the welfare of your teeth does not lie completely in their hands. Good oral care must start at home first! Following these easy steps can help ensure that your teeth remain healthy, strong, and free from tooth decay. As your local friendly dentist, we want you to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Visit our office at Bedminster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today so we can keep your teeth in optimal health.