Tip one: Go to your six month check ups. This is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy. When you get regular cleanings, your dentist is able to spot any trouble signs and help you avoid them. They are able to remove any plaque build up and help you keep your gums healthier. They are also able to recommend to you the specific things you should be doing or doing differently to ensure that your mouth stays healthy.

Tip two: Brush twice daily. When food particles sit in your mouth, it results in decay of your teeth enamel, and plaque build up. It can also result in staining. So, for a fresh smile, and healthy teeth and gums, you need to do a good job brushing each morning and evening. It is fine to brush more often, especially if you feel the need, but you shouldn't brush less. In addition, brushing helps rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath. When you brush, try to brush for at least two minutes, and get the fronts and backs of all your teeth.

Tip three: Floss your teeth. Flossing between teeth is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Flossing helps get rid of the small particles and bacteria that are in those tight spaces between teeth. Where the teeth touch is the most important place to keep clean.

Tip four: Avoid foods that are bad for your teeth. Coffee, sugar, etc. can stain and rot teeth faster than other foods. So, when considering your oral health, it is wise to avoid the foods that are known to lead to poor oral health, or at least cut back on them. If you are going to eat high sugared foods, etc. make sure you brush shortly after so that it does not sit on your teeth and in your gum beds for hours.

Tip five: Take care of problems before they spread and cause more problems. A cavity in one tooth can easily lead to one in adjacent teeth if you are not careful. Get your cavities filled, etc. Also, if you wait too long, it can spread to the root of the tooth, requiring a root canal to fix, which means less tooth structure, weaker teeth, higher cost for repair, and a lot more pain. Early fixing is far less expensive and painful.

If you can do these five things, chances are, your oral health will be high, and will not negatively impact your overall health. Talk to your dentist about what more you can do specifically for your personal oral health.