Maintaining a healthy smile takes routine, commitment and a little discipline, it’s a basic part of grooming and yet so many people neglect their teeth over time. A lot of this comes down to a lack of education and, let’s all be honest here, some laziness. A sparkling smile doesn’t have to be unattainable, in fact, it’s pretty easy to achieve once you introduce a few simple steps to your daily brushing routine. Here are 8 tips and tricks to ensure that your smile is as healthy and bright as possible…

Brush regularly

We all know this one, but it’s always worth noting! Regular brushing (we’re talking twice a day at a minimum) is a cornerstone of both a healthy mouth and just good hygiene in general. If you’re looking to care for your gums and combat any symptoms of gingivitis or tooth decay, then adding a third brush after lunch is not going to hurt. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.

Tweak your technique

A lot of us actually brush far too vigorously, and it’s no good for our gums. Tweak your brushing technique and use gentle, consistent circling around the gums and up your tooth’s enamel to really buff away plaque and food debris.

Clean your whole mouth

It’s not just your teeth that you should be worried about here, people! You should also be paying the roof of your mouth, cheeks and tongue attention during the brushing process. Bacteria easily and frequently builds up around mouth tissue and can result in poor breath if neglected for long periods of time.

Floss after major meals

Flossing is vital if you want to maintain healthy gums and a clean smile, but it’s usually saved for once a day maximum. To get the most out of flossing, you should be doing it after every major meal. This will stop food build-up and plaque from forming, ensuring that your enamel is protected at all times. Plus, it’s always good to know that your teeth are debris-free!

Use a fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste protects your teeth by reinforcing the enamel and preventing acid from seeping into the surface and penetrating the tooth. Regular use will prevent tooth infection and cavities, so it’s well worth buying on your next trip to the shops.

Finish with a rinse

Completing your cleaning routine with a gentle rinse of mouthwash is the perfect way to ensure that all build-up is washed away. Mouthwash is great for fresh, clean breath also.

Update your lifestyle

If you want great dental hygiene, then you’re going to have to update your lifestyle a little. That means no smoking, limiting your caffeine intake, avoiding processed sugars and minimising alcohol consumption. All of these elements together can make all the difference to the look and feel of your smile. Adjust to a well-balanced lifestyle and you’ll find that your dental hygiene and breath improves significantly.

Visit your dentist 

Lastly, it’s high time you got yourself to the dentist. Regular dental check-ups and cleans are essential for maintaining a healthy set of teeth. Your dentist will be able to spy any looming issues, buff away light staining and improve the condition of your mouth as a whole. Professional dental care should be sought out at least every six months, you can also chat with your dentist to determine how often you should be coming in for a check-up.