We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily for optimal health effects. Use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you use medium or hard-bristled brushes, you risk damaging your gums or enamel. Instead, try brushing at a 45-degree angle towards your gums to aid in sweeping away plaque and bacteria nested at the gum line. Be sure to brush the backs and sides of your teeth to hit all areas, too.

It's recommended to floss at least once a day to hit those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth. First, break off an 18-inch piece of floss and wrap each end around your middle fingers. Then, you can use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss between your teeth. Pro tip: wrap the floss in a C-shape around your tooth and use about ten up-and-down strokes for adequate coverage.

Water flossers, or water picks, are an exceptional alternative to traditional floss. They are great for people who have difficulty flossing and removing pieces of food and debris. However, they have a more challenging time removing biofilm from your teeth, which is where traditional floss can help. 

We recommend seeing a dentist if you notice bleeding in the gum area when flossing.

Our tongues are hangouts for bacteria in our mouths. So always brush your tongue when brushing your teeth to remove bacteria from its surface. You can use your toothbrush or use a tongue scraper, which you can find in the oral health aisle of your preferred store. Brushing your tongue also helps with bad breath.

Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine will help keep bacteria at bay. It helps reduce plaque buildup and eliminate food or debris missed when brushing. In addition, we recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent dry mouth

Seeing your dentist at least twice a year for checkups helps keep your oral hygiene in check. Your dentist will be able to spot any abnormalities and recommend products and practices that could help. Six-month visits are standard, but you can always do more if you are more prone to cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.

Smoking and tobacco products have adverse oral health effects. Try to avoid them as best you can. If you use them, try to do so in moderation and keep up with other areas of your oral hygiene routine.