We all want to have a healthy and beautiful smile. But the truth is, sometimes our actions say otherwise. When it comes to preventive care such as regular brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist, some individuals dismiss its importance.

In such a busy world, there can be many distractions that get in the way of maintaining good oral hygiene. Luckily, oral health doesn’t have to be hard. We have created a list of oral health tips that can help assist you in your daily dental care without consuming too much of your time.

1. Use an electric toothbrush

The moving head of an electric toothbrush can reach the small crevices of your teeth more easily than a manual toothbrush. Also, the scrubbing action of an electric toothbrush helps remove plaque, to ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. An added benefit here is that using an electric toothbrush is faster which will save you a little more time.

2. Wait before you rinse

Fluoride is a well-known naturally occurring mineral that has been proven to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Because of its properties, fluoride is added to toothpaste and other dental products. However, rinsing your mouth immediately after your brush can wash away the fluoride before it has a chance to work efficiently. The next time you finish scrubbing your teeth, wait a few minutes before you begin rinsing. While you wait, you can perform another step of your morning or nighttime routine. To save you time, perhaps you might like to brush your teeth and then wash your face before you rinse your mouth. See, oral health doesn’t have to be hard, does it?

3. Separate your toothbrushes

Do you know germs can actually travel from one toothbrush to another if they are in contact with each other? When you store toothbrushes, be sure they are separated at least an inch apart or use separate holders.

4. Replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick

One of the main reasons we brush our teeth is to eliminate the germs in our mouth, but using the same toothbrush after you’ve been sick can spread germs in your mouth. Replace your toothbrush after a cold or illness. Alternatively, you can soak it in diluted hydrogen peroxide to kill the germs.

5. Use the right technique

Now, you may be brushing as often as you should be, but are you brushing properly? The head of the toothbrush should be positioned at a 45-degree angle near the gum line. With such simple modifications, oral health doesn’t have to be hard!

6. Eat veggies for better breath

Not only are fibrous vegetables great for your health, eating them can do wonders for your breath. This is because, fibrous vegetables that have a high water content like cucumber, celery, and carrots can help to balance the pH levels in your mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria responsible for causing your breath to smell.

7. Chew on something

Popping a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth after consuming a meal or beverage can actually help protect your teeth and gums. Similar to fibrous vegetables, chewing on sugar-free gum can increase your saliva production and eliminate bits of food. If you’re a cheese lover, you can also chew on a cube of cheese to reduce the risk of tooth erosion.

8. Cut back on soda

On average, people who drink three or more glasses of soda every day have 62% more tooth decay than those who consume it less frequently. Not to mention, the sugar content in soda is extremely high.

9. Try oil pulling

According to studies, oil pulling can remove bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, certain oils such as coconut oil can whiten the teeth and make them appear brighter. Want to enjoy these benefits? Swish a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10 minutes while you watch TV or reply to your emails.

10. Schedule a dental appointment at a convenient time

Many times we skip our dental appointments if we work full-time or go to school. However, you may be surprised to read that many dental offices are open early in the morning or on the weekends. You can even schedule appointments after hours. So the next time you call to book an appointment, be sure it actually fits your busy schedule. Also, if you have a family, try scheduling everyone for the same day to make the most out of your time.

Oral health doesn’t have to be hard, follow the 10 tips above to improve your smile today.

About the Author:

Dr. Jose Marcano has been a dentist in Orlando for over 20 years. He is a member of the American Dental Association as well as the Florida Dental Association. He has completed several continuing education courses in the laser and cosmetic dentistry field. Dr. Marcano is extremely passionate and is committed to providing all his patients with the highest-quality dental care.