If you want a bright smile and fresh breath, it all starts with daily care. In fact, practicing the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums can prevent cavities, gum disease, and costly treatments. That’s why our dentist in Plano, TX, created this guide to help you stay on track with your oral health.
One of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums is through regular visits to Family Wellness Dentistry. That’s right – yearly visits with Ankita J Patel, DDS, help protect your smile and boost your overall health. So, call (972) 867-5989 to schedule a visit with our dentist in Plano, TX, today!
In this post, Dr. Patel reveals 10 simple habits you can practice every day to keep your teeth strong and your gums happy. Let’s dive in!
1. Brush Twice a Day, Every Day
Brushing is one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. That’s why Dr. Patel recommends brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
But make sure you have the right tools first! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Aim for two full minutes of brushing, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth. And don’t ignore your tongue! A tongue scraper helps remove bacteria and keeps your breath fresh.
Consistent brushing removes plaque, which can turn into tartar and lead to gum disease. If you’re unsure about your technique, your dentist in Plano, TX can help you brush more effectively.
2. Floss at Least Once a Day
Flossing is just as important as brushing. It helps clear out gunk between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach, which prevents plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
Make it a habit to floss at least once a day. Take your time and be gentle. If flossing is difficult, try dental picks or water flossers.
When we talk about the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums, flossing is at the top of the list. It’s quick, easy, and protects your smile for the long haul.
3. Rinse With Mouthwash
A good mouthwash can boost your oral hygiene routine. Fluoride mouthwash, in particular, helps reduce plaque and kills germs that cause bad breath and gum problems.
After brushing and flossing, swish for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. If you’re interested, you can look for mouthwashes that offer additional benefits, like gradual tooth whitening.
Including mouthwash is one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It gives you an extra layer of protection that brushing and flossing alone can’t provide.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist. It also balances your mouth’s pH and reduces acid that can harm enamel.
Drinking water after meals is especially helpful if you can’t brush right away. And try to choose water over sugary or acidic drinks like soda or juice.
Hydration supports saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria. That’s why staying hydrated is one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
5. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Too much sugar can lead to enamel decay. This is because bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and create acid that erodes enamel.
Limit sweets, especially sticky snacks like candy or dried fruit. If you do indulge, rinse with water or brush afterward.
By cutting down on sugar, you’re choosing one of the smartest best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It’s also great for your overall health!
6. Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
What you eat matters for your oral health. Fibrous foods (like fruits, veggies, and whole grains) help clean your teeth and stimulate saliva. Calcium-rich foods like cheese and yogurt strengthen enamel.
Avoid highly processed foods and snacks that stick to your teeth. Whole foods provide the vitamins and minerals your gums and teeth need to stay healthy.
Following a balanced diet is one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It’s delicious and keeps your smile strong.
7. Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and chewing tobacco are harmful to your teeth and gums. They stain teeth, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. In fact, smokers are up to 10 times more at risk of developing cancer than non-smokers. Yikes!
So, quitting tobacco is one of the most important and best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your mouth – and your entire body – will thank you!
8. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals gets your saliva flowing, which helps wash away food and neutralize acids. It also freshens your breath.
Here’s a helpful tip: Choose gum with xylitol, a natural sweetener that is proven to reduce cavity-causing bacteria. Just don’t use gum as a replacement for brushing and flossing!
Adding this habit to your routine is one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It’s a quick and convenient way to support oral health on the go.
9. Use a Tongue Scraper
Your tongue can trap bacteria that cause bad breath and contribute to plaque. Fortunately, using a tongue scraper once a day helps remove buildup and leaves your mouth feeling fresher and healthier!
You can find tongue scrapers at most drugstores. They are another one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it only takes a few seconds, and it makes a big difference in your oral health!
10. Visit Your Dentist in Plano, TX, Regularly
Even with great home care, professional cleanings with Dr. Patel are essential. She can remove plaque you can’t reach and check for early signs of problems.
Schedule a check-up at Family Wellness Dentistry every six months, or more often if recommended. Your dentist in Plano, TX, can help you fine-tune your routine and catch issues before they worsen.
Regular dental visits are one of the best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Preventive care saves you time, money, and pain.
Establish Great Dental Habits with Ankita J Patel, DDS
The best daily habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums don’t require a lot of time – just consistency and care. Brushing, flossing, eating well, and staying hydrated all play key roles.
Ready to boost your dental routine? Click here to schedule your next visit with Ankita J Patel, DDS, or contact Family Wellness Dentistry in Plano, TX, at (972) 867-5989 to take your smile to the next level!