No matter what your age, it is important to take good care of your teeth and gums. Maintaining a solid oral hygiene routine can help you avoid cavities and other oral health problems. Even if you already take good care of your oral health, there is always room for improvement.

Here are a few ways you can improve your oral hygiene routine.

Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your teeth and gums may not be enough to remove plaque and bacteria. Your tongue actually harbors food particles and bacteria. If you do not remove the gunk from your tongue, it can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Use your toothbrush to scrub bacteria off your tongue each day.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

If you still use a standard toothbrush, you should think about upgrading to an electric toothbrush. Although electric toothbrushes cost more money, they remove plaque and bacteria off your teeth more effectively. They also do most of the work for you, making them ideal for people with arthritis and other mobility issues. 

Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods

The foods you eat do not just affect your waistline. They can also impact the health of your teeth. Crunchy fruits and veggies, for example, increase saliva production and scrub plaque off your teeth. If you include apples and carrots in your diet, you may have fewer cavities to worry about.

Do not Skip Dental Checkups

If your teeth have not been giving you problems, you may be tempted to skip your next dental checkup. However, understand that many oral health problems do not show immediate symptoms. During a checkup, your dentist will check for early signs of cavities and gum disease and recommend a treatment plan if necessary.

Avoid Brushing Your Teeth Aggressively

One of the most common oral hygiene mistakes people make is brushing their teeth with too much force. Brushing your teeth roughly will not remove the plaque any better. In fact, brushing your pearly whites too aggressively can wear down your enamel eventually. With weak enamel, your teeth are more susceptible to decay.

To avoid any issues, you should always brush your teeth as gently as possible.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can improve your oral hygiene routine and have healthier teeth and gums. If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist near you as soon as possible.