Don’t take your dental care so casually. It’s much more than just about brushing your teeth in the morning every day.

Overlook it and your mouth will be a home to countless germs, with teeth yellowing and damaged, and breath fouled that nobody wants to be near you.

And if the problem becomes too big, even your visit to the best healthcare clinic won’t be rewarding; unless you’re ready to burn your pockets to afford extravagant fees.

Did you know the cost of dental care is increasing by 5 percent annually? (Source)

Fortunately, oral care doesn’t demand too much work. Just a very basic routine, turned into a sustainable habit, can take you a long way, keeping your teeth healthy and you away from the unnecessary medical cost.

Here are 15 tips for the best dental care habit:

Brush twice a day. If possible, brush thrice every day, once after your three big meals. Don’t brush carelessly and as an obligation. Do it for at least two minutes. Be careful to cover every part in the mouth. 108 million people in the US have no dental insurance. Don’t be one of them. Get your dental insurance today. Or make sure your existing healthcare insurance covers dental care. Don’t visit doctors when there’s any urgent emergency. Go to health care center every once in a while, for regular dental check-ups. To avoid high-cost, head to community health center. Clean plaque off the tongue every time you brush. Purchase a good tongue scraper. Make flossing just an important part of your oral care regimen. After brushing, at least in the evening, floss. If you haven’t already invested in mouth wash, do it right away. And wash your mouth with the right solution every morning. Be careful of what you eat the whole day. Maintain a distance from sugary items as much as you can. Such food increases the amount of plaque on teeth and tongue. Drink water and keep yourself well-hydrated. It’s good for your mouth, as well as your health. Invest in the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Do your research and pick ones that best fit your needs. If confused, ask your dentist for recommendation. Use fluoridated toothpaste. It helps harden tooth enamel and prevent decay. Keep your toothbrush clean all the time and make it a point to change it every three to four months. Don’t eat anything after you have brushed at night. Don’t try to be a hero and crack nuts or open bottle tops with your teeth. Use your teeth only for chewing purpose. If you’re in sports or do some other physical activities, wear a mouth guard.

These are 15 tips to help you ace dental care. Evidently, these are basic and smart measures that don’t demand too much work or a lot of your time. Start implementing them right from today.

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