Dental health: simple habits that protect your teeth and gums

Good dental health doesn’t need to be complicated. Small, consistent actions every day keep cavities, gum disease, and bad breath away. Below are clear steps you can use right now, plus signs that mean it’s time to see a dentist.

Daily care that works

Brush twice a day for two minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a slight angle and use short, gentle strokes along the gum line as well as the tooth surface. Rushing through brushing leaves plaque behind.

Floss once a day. Floss removes food and plaque between teeth where a brush can’t reach. Slide the floss gently up and down each tooth, curving it around the base. If regular floss feels hard, try floss picks or a water flosser — something is better than nothing.

Use mouthwash when needed. An alcohol-free, fluoride mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel. Don’t use mouthwash as a shortcut for brushing and flossing — it’s an add-on, not a replacement.

Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Eat sweets with meals rather than grazing, and rinse your mouth with water after sugary or acidic foods. Drinking plain water keeps your mouth moist and helps wash away leftovers.

Protect your teeth during sports. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports to prevent chips, cracks, and tooth loss. If you grind your teeth at night, ask a dentist about a night guard to stop wear and pain.

When to see a dentist

Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Regular visits catch small problems early — like a tiny cavity or the first signs of gum disease — before they become big, costly issues.

Make an appointment sooner if you have any of these: bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, a loose tooth, or sharp tooth pain. These are common signs that something needs attention.

Tell your dentist about health changes. Conditions like diabetes, some medications, and pregnancy can change your mouth’s health. Your dental team can adjust care and give specific tips to protect your teeth.

For parents: start early. Wipe a baby’s gums after feeds and begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Limit juice and sugary drinks in bottles or sippy cups, and bring children to the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth shows.

Simple habits add up. Brush, floss, watch sugar, protect your teeth in sports, and keep regular dental visits. These steps cut the risk of pain, expensive treatments, and lost teeth — and they keep your smile working for years.