Tooth hygiene is probably one of the most ignored habits, yet definitely one of the most painful when it turns into a toothache. We often take our teeth for granted by being forgetful or nonchalant about the ‘before-bed’ brushing, but dental hygiene is definitely a must for a healthy and pain-free routine. Otherwise, you could end up with painful cavities or worse, a long and agonizing root canal treatment.

Now, you might have tried many types of toothpaste for whitening of your teeth or sensitivity in your gums, and a variety of floss to free your teeth of those nasty food particles. In this blog, we’ve listed a few simple tips that are sure to help you keep your teeth clean and shiny. Read on to know about quick practices that will help you clean away those dental germs and keep your confident smile for years to come!

1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet

A healthy and balanced diet is not a recommendation for just weight loss or medical issues, but it is very much a prerequisite for good dental health. While investing in herbal toothpaste and floss, you must not forget the simple yet effective cleaning of healthy foods. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that foods rich in fiber help to keep your teeth and gums clean, so grab those fiber-rich bananas and apples at the supermarket. Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt provide your teeth with calcium to counteract the minerals lost by erosive foods.

2. Stay away from the Sticky Bad Guys

The stickier the substance, the more harmful it is! While there is a parallel narrative about chocolate being good for teeth, it is just a few bits of dark chocolate that help; however, even this has not been proven. Any food item with refined sugar such as candies, lollipops, and caramels are bad for your teeth. However, according to the ADA, chocolate is safer than other sugary sweets as it washes off quicker. Carbonated soft drinks are also high on sugar content and also contain phosphoric and citric acid that wears off the teeth's enamel.

3. Always Brush Twice A Day

One of the most common reasons for tooth cavities and even decay is due to inefficiency brushing. Brushing is highly important to remove tooth debris and also prevent the formation of dental plaque. Dr. Bob Maley from Maley Family Dentistry advice is to "Avoid Plaque like the Plague". Though plaque might appear just to be an issue of appearance, it eventually might develop into tartar and make life a living hell.

Another important aspect of this is regularly cleaning your tongue. An unhygienic tongue will not just create issues of bad odor, but also host plaque! Make sure to gently clean your tongue every time you brush.

4. But Don't Overdo the Brushing

Yes, overbrushing has become a legitimate concern. While one might find himself forgetting to brush, others think about it too much and end up brushing too much and too hard. According to Dawson Dental, overbrushing can cause serious damage to teeth and gums.

5. Get regular dental check-ups

It is a must to get a dental check-up at least once in six months, irrespective of whether you are experiencing any dental discomfort or not. Dentistsdon't help just with checking for cavities or cleaning your teeth, but they will also be able to identify potential issues and offer solutions before it gets out of hand. If you have a history of dental issues such as gingivitis or cavities, make sure you make even more regular check-ups to ensure your dental hygiene is on point.

6. Flossing is Brushing's Best Friend

Flossing is the most overlooked dental hygiene habit. While it can be quite cumbersome for young kids and older adults, flossing is actually a necessity for complete dental hygiene. Jonathan Schwartz from DDS said "Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth. It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.”

7. Drink Lots of Water

Anything related to hygiene will involve staying hydrated. Drinking water is a rule of thumb for good health in any part of the body. Water literally washes away the negatives effects of sticky and acidic foods.

While there you can take a lot of steps forward in maintaining dental hygiene, these are some of the things that are sure to help you maintain good oral hygiene. So don't skip that pre-bed brushing, and take a proactive step towards making your smile more confident and promising.