You already know the drill when it comes to good oral health. Brush and floss regularly and correctly. Schedule biannual visits to the dentist or dental hygienist and steer clear of candy and soda. Many Americans already follow these steps but there are a few easy things you can do that will take your oral hygiene to the next level and help you keep that bright, white smile a lot longer.
Drink Fluoride Water
You should be drinking a lot of water anyway, but a good oral health practice is drinking water right after meals and snacks. This helps wash away sugar and debris that gets caught in your teeth while you’re eating. It also takes care of bad breath and keeps your mouth moist. Though bottled or mineral water works just fine, water which contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. Lucky for you, this natural mineral is already present in over 70 percent of taps in the country. If you want to take it up a notch, buy a brand of toothpaste and mouthwash that contains Fluoride.
Pack a Toothbrush in Your Handbag or Briefcase
If you’re on the go a lot, this hack will save your life. Having a soft bristle toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in your bag will make it so that you never have to go without brushing after meals. Brushing after lunch (which many American’s eat outside their homes) becomes a lot easier and boosts your oral hygiene routine.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Maybe brushing in your office bathroom or the restaurant restroom is not your thing. No problem. Keep a pack of sugar-free gum handy. Chewing gum will allow your mouth to create more saliva which neutralizes acids in the mouth and helps flush away sugar and food debris. According to the American Dental Association, sugar-free gum might even help prevent cavities.
Snack on Raw, Crunchy Foods
Foods like apples, raw carrot sticks, peppers, and cucumber slices are good for you anyway, but did you know they can also help your teeth? Much like chewing gum, biting and chewing on an apple forces your mouth to create more saliva which aids in cleaning and polishing the teeth and getting rid of plaque-causing bacteria.
