Skip to content

Oral Hygiene 101: How to Get Healthy Teeth and a Sparkling Smile

    More than half of Americans are insecure about their teeth. It doesn’t have to be that way. By taking care of your mouth and gums properly, you can have a beautiful smile.

    Want to learn how to get the healthy smile you always wanted? If so, keep reading to learn how to get healthy teeth so you can show those pearly whites with confidence.

    Brush the Right Way

    You need to make sure you brush your teeth the right way. If you don’t brush them right, it’s almost like you didn’t brush your teeth. 

    Be sure to take your time and be gentle. Move your toothbrush in small circular movements to remove the plaque. You also need to brush for at least two minutes.

    You should brush your teeth twice a day along with flossing daily. Change your toothbrush at least three to four times a year. You should also use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities.

    Never Skip Brushing Your Teeth at Night

    No matter how tired you are, you should never skip brushing your teeth at night. Brushing your teeth before bed removes the plaque and germs that build up all day.

    Floss Daily

    When you floss your teeth, don’t snap the floss into your gums. After you get the floss between your teeth, make a “c-shape” and curve it around the tooth to remove the plaque and food debris.

    Gently rub this floss up and down. Use fresh floss as you move to the next tooth.

    Rinse or Chew Gum After Meals

    On top of flossing and brushing, you should rinse your mouth after eating. This helps prevent gum problems and decay.

    After you eat, chew some sugar-free gum if you cannot rinse. This increases saliva that naturally removes bacteria and also neutralizes the acid.

    Eat Smart

    Eating a healthy diet is just as important for your teeth as it is for your body. You should eat foods like apples, avocado, cheese, yogurt, grains, nuts, fish, and carrots. These foods are full of the nutrients you need.

    Be sure to drink plenty of water. It can help your mouth stay healthy. Try to find fluoridated water, which can also help your oral hygiene.

    Go to the Dentist Twice a Year

    Your everyday habits shape your overall dental health. Even if you floss and brush regularly, you should see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help remove calculus and also search for any cavities.

    Your dentist can also help spot potential issues before they become bigger problems and give you some treatment options. 

    If you have any of these symptoms, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible:

    • Loose permanent teeth
    • Pain while chewing
    • Red or swollen gums
    • Bleeding gums
    • Unusual tooth sensitivity
    • Persistent bad breath
    • Unusual taste in your mouth

    If you have any of these problems, you will need X-rays to see if there is an underlying issue. For teeth that are loose or give you persistent problems, you may need to have them removed and consider an alternative like implants—click here to learn more.

    Remember, that early treatment and detection for your gums help your mouth stay healthy for years to come.

    How to Get Healthy Teeth and More

    Follow these tips on how to get healthy teeth. Always brush your teeth the right way, don’t neglect to floss, rinse or chew gum after you eat, and stay up on your dental appointments. Your dentist can give you more pointers on your dental health and help you with small issues before they become bigger problems.

    Interested in staying healthy? Keep exploring our site. We have all kinds of insightful information on health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and more!