You understand how important good oral hygiene is for the health and longevity of your teeth, but it’s easy to slip into bad habits that aren’t conducive to optimal dental health. If you want to keep your smile beautiful and your pearly whites strong, try making these dental care habits a part of your daily routine.

5 Habits to Boost Your Oral Health

1. Allow Your Toothbrush to Dry

Don’t cover your toothbrush or place it in a damp area after use as harmful bacteria can grow on it. Instead, rinse it thoroughly with water and place it in an area where it can air dry to minimize bacteria and keep your toothbrush sanitary. 

2. Brush Thoroughly

It’s easy to rush through cleaning your teeth, but dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes twice daily. If you’re not taking enough time, food particles and bacteria will stay on your teeth, promoting the growth of plaque and leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. Next time you brush, set a timer to ensure you spend enough time removing plaque. 

3. Avoid Night-Time Snacking

Everyone loves to have a midnight snack every so often, but if you can, avoid eating after you’ve already brushed your teeth. Wait until you’ve done all your snacking before you brush your teeth, or simply clean them again to rid your teeth of sugars and food particles before bed. 

4. Use Mouthwash Daily 

Rinsing with mouthwash is an easy step to forget, but it’s an important dental care practice to keep your teeth strong and healthy. After you brush and floss, rinse with mouthwash and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds. 

5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

An important aspect of dental care is visiting your dentist regularly. Putting off dental appointments for too long can lead to cavities, gum disease, or worse, so visit your dentist at least once a year for excellent oral health.

Whether you need a routine dental exam, dental care tips, or restorative services, you need a dentist you can count on. At Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, they offer high-quality dental care at affordable prices to give you a beautiful, healthy smile. They offer products and services including preventive dentistry, tooth extraction, cosmetic services, crowns, bridges, and more. For a comprehensive list of their services, visit their website or call (606) 679-4450 to schedule a consultation today.