Since we were young, we have heard that frequent brushing, flossing and a rinse help us to maintain good oral hygiene.

And this is partly true, but it will not be enough to keep your mouth 100% healthy. That’s why we want to share with you seven tips that you can not ignore:

1. Keep your toothbrush in good condition

After each use you should wash it with plenty of water. Periodically you can also do it with toothbrush disinfectants, but we prefer to renew them.

Allow it to dry in an upright position and outdoors, since if it is kept moist it will facilitate the proliferation of microorganisms.

And change the toothbrush (or head in the case of electric) after 3 months or when the bristles are bent.

2. Invest in a dental irrigator

If you do not have one at home, consult with your dentist to know if you should buy it, especially if your main problem is dental plaque.

The irrigator is a device that generates a pulsating jet and under pressure of water or another solution, and you can orientate it towards specific places of difficult access inside your mouth.

It will certainly help keep your mouth healthy by removing plaque more effectively. It is ideal for after brushing in patients with implants.

3. Do not forget to clean your tongue

The tongue and surface of the teeth are exposed to bacteria and germs.

To clean it we recommend to make a gentle sweep starting from the back of the back of the tongue to the tip.

You can do it with your brush or with a lingual cleanser, the latter will be more useful if you feel nausea easily by stimulating this area.

4. Use fluoride in your dental hygiene

Although fluoride protects your enamel, fights bacteria and helps maintain your oral health, you should consult with your dentist which dose is right for you. And especially in the case of your young children.

There are different forms of presentation and concentration, and the amount needed in each person varies depending on different aspects.

5. Diet also counts

All foods have some benefit in our diet. Some, in particular, help us keep our teeth cleaner, prevent bleeding from the gums and prevent bad breath.

Here you have a selection:

• Nuts, hazelnuts or almonds. They contain Omega 3. A small amount will be enough to achieve great benefits.
• Yogurts and cheeses. They are rich in calcium. They will prevent the appearance of plaque while protecting your gums.
• Strawberries. They contain folic acid and act as an “exfoliant” that helps to clean the teeth.
• The apples. They clean your teeth and gums when biting them, being a fruit with hard surface (especially after meals).

6. Consume food wisely

Just as there are foods that protect your teeth, there are others that deteriorate or stain them.

Avoid them if you really want your mouth to look healthy: coffee, alcohol, foods or drinks that are very acidic or very sugary (cola drinks, for example).

Some tips to counteract its effect? Of course!

If you are going to consume a soda, take it with a straw so that the negative effect on your teeth is not so abrupt. And, when finished, rinse your mouth with water.

It works the same way in the case of citrus juices, like orange juice.

If you are a fan of coffee, try replacing it with green tea sometimes. Your teeth and gums will thank you, and your body also, for its antioxidant and diuretic properties.

A final tip, if you take any of these foods or drinks, first of all, enjoy it. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly with plenty of water and, whenever you can, brush your teeth.

7. Visit your dentist every 6 months

Although this advice is well known, we can not fail to mention it.

Let’s be honest, even if we follow these tips to the letter, we will not be completely calm until a specialist confirms that everything is in order in our mouth.

Do you want that confirmation? Come visit us. Enjoy a delicious meal in the center of Barcelona, ​​and take the opportunity to come and do your biannual review.