While good dental care requires regular visits to the dentist, oral hygiene practices begin at home. What you do at home has a profound impact on the health of your teeth and gums. Keeping your mouth healthy also has a positive impact on your overall health. Here are some routines you can do daily to maintain a healthy smile.

Brush and Floss

Daily brushing and flossing seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t do them correctly or only half-heartedly. For example, it’s recommended that you brush two to three times a day, with each brushing lasting at least two minutes. Similarly, you should floss at least once daily. For best results, replace the toothbrush every three months.

Wash Your Tongue

When one thinks of dental hygiene, one tends to think of the teeth and gums. However, tongue cleaning is mostly overlooked. The truth is that the tongue can be a harbinger for germs just as much as the teeth. When brushing your teeth, give the tongue a thorough brushing as well. Similarly, you can use a tongue scraper to remove additional bacteria.

Drink More Water

Your dentist may not always bring this up, but staying hydrated is a great way to maintain good oral health. By drinking more water, you’re avoiding other beverages, such as soda and sugary juices. Bad bacteria are especially known for feeding off of sugar in liquid form.

Need to Discuss Dental Care Habits with an Expert near Lea Hill?

Poor dental care can have dire consequences, leading to cavities, root canals, and worse. When you schedule an appointment at Auburn Periodontics and Implants near Lea Hill, our dentists can discuss the best hygiene practices at home. This may include the correct way to use floss, using specially formulated toothpaste, and more. Contact us today to set up a dental appointment.

Dental Care Experts

Serving Auburn, Federal Way, Puyallup, Kent & Lea Hill

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February 01, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business