Written by Southborough Dental Partners
Great oral health doesn't require complicated routines — just a few consistent habits. Here are seven our team recommends to every patient.
1. Brush for a full two minutes
Most people brush for less than a minute. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and spend about 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth.
2. Clean between your teeth daily
Floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser all remove the plaque your toothbrush can't reach.
3. Replace your toothbrush every three months
Frayed bristles don't clean effectively. Swap your brush — or brush head — every season, and after any illness.
4. Drink more water
Water rinses away food particles and keeps saliva flowing, your mouth's natural defense against decay.
5. Limit sugary snacks and sipping
It's not just how much sugar you eat but how often. Frequent snacking and sipping sweet drinks keep your teeth under constant acid attack.
6. Don't use your teeth as tools
Opening packages or biting nails can chip and crack enamel. Reach for scissors instead.
7. Keep up with regular checkups
Professional cleanings and exams every six months catch problems early, when they are simplest and most affordable to treat.