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They say that among the most beautiful things about a person is his/her smile. It simply lights up the face and imparts character to it. Loud laughs, cheeky grins, lopsided smiles … they all make our day in more ways than one.

But the moment you part your lips, if all people see are teeth that look like they are about to rot off and fall any minute, the sight is far from pleasant. And if you are driving people away with stinky-poo breath … uh, uh, not good at all.

You’ve got to start paying attention to your dental hygiene before you become a social pariah. And if you think that hurriedly brushing your teeth just before you tear off to work amounts to proper dental hygiene, let’s put you on the right track, shall we?

1. Brush Regularly

There’s brushing and then there’s BRUSHING – the former referring to what you probably do every  day and the latter referring to the proper way in which you are SUPPOSED to do it. This involves brushing twice a day – once after you wake up and once before you sleep. Brush for at least 2 minutes. Hold the brush at an angle of 45 degrees and cover each tooth turn by turn, cleaning all its faces. Oh, and don’t forget your gums. They need to be cleaned too!

If you feel your regular toothbrush isn’t doing a good enough job, switch to electric ones. Their small heads facilitate faster and more efficient cleaning of the hard to reach areas of the mouth.

2. Floss Away

The area between the teeth has been identified as a major problem area that gives rise to 90% of all dental problems. Since this is where plaque tends to build up, it’s very important to floss regularly before brushing.

Those who do not like flossing can opt for water jets, also known as oral irrigators. These devices release jet streams of water at high pressure that get rid of plaque from between the teeth. Research proves that by using a combination of water jets and regular brushing, you can reduce instances of calculus and gingivitis while also improving hum health. In addition, you are able to remove more plaque (up to 99%) than you would if you just brushed.

3. Use Mouthwash                     

As long as you are being thorough, don’t forget to rinse your mouth every day with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Again, the purpose of this ritual is to clean the part of the mouth that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. So, wash away twice a day after you’re done brushing your teeth.

4. Watch your Tongue

Did you know that one of the leading causes of bad breath is bacteria build up on your tongue? It only figures that you should pay just as much attention to cleaning it as well. However, do not use your toothbrush to clean your tongue. Instead, buy a tongue scraper and use it in the mornings to remove plaque buildup from your tongue.

5. Change your Toothbrush

Most people continue using their toothbrush until the time the bristles look visibly abused and battered. Not good at all! You are supposed to change your toothbrush (yes, the electric ones too) every couple of months. Continue using it any longer than that and the bristles will become ineffective. Worse, the bacteria collected on them will get transferred back into your mouth. If that sounds less than appealing, it’s time you brought yourself a new brush … Right away!

6. Pay Attention to your Diet

They say you are what you eat. The saying is especially true when it comes to dental health. A diet that is rich in carbohydrates and sugar is an open invitation to plaque to wreak havoc on your teeth. Candies, breath mints, and sweet treats tend to stick to your teeth longer, causing further damage to your beautiful smile. It’s best if you switched to healthier snacks like raw vegetables that act as a natural cleansing agent and clean your teeth while satiating your appetite.

7. Water, Water All the Time

Water is one of your strongest allies when it comes to oral hygiene. Apart from keeping your mouth clean, it also keeps your breath fresh. Water, being rich in oxygen, makes it difficult for anaerobic bacteria (responsible for bad breath) to thrive in your mouth. So, drink up plenty of water and keep your mouth hydrated at all times.

8. Throw Away the Cigarette

Smoking and chewing tobacco are far from being healthy habits. If you haven’t already quit, you should consider doing it now, because some of the risks associated with regular tobacco use are gingivitis, periodontis, oral cancer, tooth decay. Immediate problems would include yellowing of the teeth and bad breath. How do you think that’s going to affect your social life? Do yourself and your teeth a favor and try to quit smoking as soon as possible.

9. Have a Balanced Diet

Calcium is extremely important for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. In addition, you must have Vitamin D and B complex to protect the gums from bleeding and cracking. Other nutrients that facilitate dental health are zinc, copper, iodine, potassium, and iron. Make sure you have a diet that is rich in all these components.

10. Say Hi to Your Dentist Regularly

It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist every 5-6 months. This is that time of the year where all the plaque and tartar you’ve accumulated over time will be removed professionally and your jaw, gums, and teeth will be examined for any signs of disorders or disease. Do not skip this ritual, no matter how hectic your schedule might be.

The importance of dental hygiene cannot be emphasized enough. If you are able to follow the tips given above and stay dedicated to the cause of keeping your chompers strong and healthy, the payoff over the years will be well worth it. For sure.