How to keep your teeth healthy: 10 habits that work

Part of General dentistry

Most tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented. You do not need expensive products. These ten habits do most of the work.

Can I deal with this at home?

Mostly, yes. Daily care at home does the bulk of the prevention, while a dentist handles what home care cannot, such as hardened tartar.

1. Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Use a soft brush at 45 degrees to the gumline, with small circles rather than scrubbing.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste, and do not rinse. Spit it out and leave the fluoride on your teeth.
3. Clean between your teeth every day. Brushing alone reaches only about 60% of the tooth surface. Here is how to floss.
4. Keep sugar to mealtimes. How often you have sugar matters as much as how much.
5. Watch sugary and acidic drinks. Soda, sweet tea and juice can bathe your teeth in sugar or acid.
6. Drink water, especially after eating. It helps rinse your mouth and supports saliva.
7. Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Tobacco raises your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
8. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.
9. Protect your teeth. Wear a mouth guard for contact sports, and ask about a night guard if you grind.
10. See a dentist every six months. A check-up and clean catches what you cannot see.

Which bad habits damage your teeth?

• Using your teeth to open bottles or packets
• Chewing ice, pens or fingernails
• Brushing too hard, which wears enamel and gums
• Brushing straight after acidic food or drink
• Sipping sugary drinks over several hours
• Using toothpicks roughly, or sharing toothbrushes
• Ignoring bleeding gums, which are a warning rather than a reason to stop brushing

Why does it matter beyond your teeth?

A healthy mouth makes it easier to eat and speak comfortably, and it helps you avoid pain, lost work time and bigger dental bills. Gum disease has also been linked with wider health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, so it is worth treating. Read more about how dental health affects your overall health.

What can’t you do at home?

You cannot remove hardened tartar, repair a cavity or treat an infection at home. See a dentist if you notice pain, swelling, bleeding gums, or a change that lasts more than a few days.