You only get one life to have a perfect set of healthy teeth. Unfortunately, many people lose that chance by having poor dental health. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 36 million people in the United States don't have teeth. Instead of having a local dentist pull your teeth, here are four tips to improve your oral health while at home.

1. Floss, Brush, and Use Mouthwash

You already know the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You might not know that many people who do brush their teeth don't do it correctly. You should start by flossing your teeth to remove any food particles that might get caught between your teeth. After flossing, it's time to brush your teeth with circular motions to work the toothpaste between your teeth. Be sure to brush thoroughly, but not too hard. You can finish by using some mouthwash.

2. Watch What You Eat

Food and drinks greatly affect your teeth. Just about everyone has a sweet tooth and snacks on foods with a lot of sugar, which is bad for your teeth. Some foods are very likely to get stuck between your teeth and gums, like popcorn so often does. Many drinks also flood your mouth with sugar and fluids that can stain your teeth, such as coffee or red wine. Carefully choosing what you eat and remembering to floss, brush, and use mouthwash after can help maintain good oral health.

3. Replace Worn Toothbrushes

You need a good toothbrush to get the best results when brushing. Our dentists recommend  replacing your toothbrush every couple of months, as the bristles soften and deform due to frequent brushing. When you see the bristles bending outward toward the sides after lots of use, the toothbrush is well beyond the point where you should have replaced it. Buying a pack of good toothbrushes helps ensure you have suitable ones for maintaining good oral health between visits to your local dentist.

4. Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco can also cause poor oral health. Smoking or vaping tobacco products saturates your teeth and gums with the harsh chemicals contained in tobacco. Chewing tobacco is another way to damage your teeth and gums. It can even cause oral cancer. Quitting tobacco is a good way to improve oral health.

You can call to schedule an appointment with a local dentist to clean your teeth and check your oral health. When you're looking for a reliable team, look no further than Claude Daniel, DDS. We look forward to treating you.