There’s no doubt that you’re aware you should brush your teeth at least three times a day. But that well-established rule is not just for the sake of good hygiene. It’s essential for your oral health.

There are more or less 6 billion bacteria in your mouth. Considering that there are roughly 7.7 billion people in the entire world, that’s a lot of bacteria making a comfy home in your mouth.

These bacteria try to recycle the food that you eat. But this process causes plaque and bacteria build-up, which is the culprit of tooth decay and mouth and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep your oral health at bay.

Make sure you undertake these oral hygiene steps daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Brush at least three times a day

Brushing your teeth is the most essential oral hygiene practice. The bristles on the toothbrush help reach areas where plaque buildup happens. Make sure you’re using the right size of a toothbrush that can easily fit in your mouth. This will enable you to reach all hard-to-reach corners.

Remember to softly brush all areas, including inner surfaces, outer surfaces, and chewing surfaces. Brush your tongue as well to get rid of bacteria and help freshen your breath.

Floss regularly

Even when brushing, there are corners in between your teeth that a regular toothbrush can’t penetrate. That’s why you have to make use of other means like dental floss. The string goes in between your teeth to wipe off plaque and bacteria. Hence, decreasing the risk of tooth decay.

Make sure you’re getting in between all your teeth, gently rubbing the sides in up and down motions.

Use mouth wash

Gargling with mouth wash adds extra protection for your teeth and gums. Antimicrobial and flourish mouthwashes help kill plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth. This, in turn, prevents gum diseases and tooth decay.

Using mouthwash has three oral benefits. First, it reduces the amount of unhealthy acid in the mouth. Second, it cleans your gums, which you can’t do by brushing or flossing. And lastly, using mouthwash gives your teeth added minerals to keep it strong and healthy.

Ask your dentist what kind of mouth wash you should use.

Drink more water

We all know that drinking water is vital to keep our bodies hydrated and healthy. But few are aware that drinking water helps promote good oral hygiene. Dentists recommend that you drink water after every meal. This will help wash out any acid or food build up on your teeth, which can cause plaque and tooth decay.

In addition to these daily practices, make sure to take a trip to your dentist often. It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months to get the treatment you need.

If you think you don’t need your dentist because you know how to take care of your teeth, think again. You won’t know when you need oral surgery, but your dentist sure does. And he or she can bring you to the right oral surgeon in Kokomo, Indiana, to do the job.

The next time you’re feeling lazy to brush your teeth, remember how much bacteria is living in your mouth. Don’t let them cause oral diseases and tooth decay by adhering to daily oral hygiene practices.