Americans are known for caring a lot about how our teeth look. Despite this, many do not go to the family dentist twice a year as recommended. There are things we all can do to keep our teeth looking great. Here are some tips dentists recommend to maintain proper oral health:

1. People should always brush their teeth before they go to bed. Family dentistry experts recommend people brush their teeth two times every day. They generally mean for this to happen in the morning and at night. Unfortunately, many people skip their nightly brushing. We accumulate a lot of bacteria and gunk on our teeth throughout the day so it is very important to brush them before bedtime.
2. It is important to brush correctly. It is important to brush the teeth twice a day but also to do it the right way. Take it slow. Move the brush in a circular motion over the gums and teeth. Gentle pressure should be applied.
3. The tongue also needs attention. Bacteria and other build up can occur on the tongue as well as the gums and teeth. Dentists remind their clients that a neglected tongue can lead to bad breath and more serious dental health issues. You can avoid this by brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth.
4. Fluoride toothpaste is the best. There are a lot of brands out there for toothpaste and they all have fluoride in them. There are other things people sometimes use to brush their teeth, such a baking soda. Using fluoride is one of the best things that can be done to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also form a protective coating for your teeth.
5. Dentists say that flossing is as crucial as tooth brushing. When you brush your teeth, you only get a percentage of the material on your teeth. There is always something left behind. Flossing helps get rid of anything left behind from your brushing but also can work to stimulate your gums.
6. Mouthwash is a great way to finish off the brushing experience. After the brushing and flossing have been taken care of, using a good mouthwash can lower the amount of acid present in the mouth, get any remaining material missed by brushing and flossing, adds minerals to the teeth, and leaves the breath smelling great.
7. Staying properly hydrated is great for oral health. People do not always equate drinking enough water with better oral health but the two are linked. Dentists say that when people drink water after they eat, they remove some of the acidic, sticky, or discoloring materials that can linger on teeth and gums.
8. Eating fruits and vegetables that are crunchy. There are a number of reasons to get more raw fruit and vegetables into your diet. They are rich in fiber, which can make you full sooner and help you lose weight. They are also great at removing plaque from teeth. Dentists love to hear that their patients like to eat raw, crunchy produce.
9. It is always good to cut down on foods and beverages with a lot of sugar or acid. Cutting down on the amount of sugar you consume can do a lot for your physical health. When sugar hits the saliva in the mouth it changes into acid. Acidic compounds are very bad for tooth enamel. Citrus fruits, coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages all can cause damage to the teeth.
10. It is very important to have teeth looked at and cleaned every six months. Most people in the United States do not go as often as they should. In fact, by some estimates, people wait about two years between dental cleanings. You can do your teeth and gums a big favor by going into your dentist’s office twice a year. This gives the hygienist give your teeth and gums a deep cleaning. This also gives you dentist a chance to look at your teeth and find any problems that may be lurking in your mouth. When they catch problems when they are small, they are easier to fix.

Dentists like to remind patients that oral health is closely linked to physical health. It is important to keep teeth healthy to keep them looking great.