How to take care of your teeth at home

This image is a collage of different people. The upper left is of an asian chinese female walking with her walking aid recovering and helped by her daughter The second is a shot of a young couple hiking through the mountains during a cold and fresh day. Both having a backpack and bottle of water while having an outdoor adventure. The bottom image is a portrait of a mother with her little daughter. They are sitting on the sofa at home, looking at camera.

There are a lot of reasons why you should take care of your teeth. A nice smile can help you feel good about yourself, of course, but a healthy mouth can also help you have a healthy body—and it can potentially help you live longer. A recent study showed that people who maintained a full set of healthy teeth by age 70 had a much higher chance of living longer than those with fewer teeth.

Daily dental care

The best defense against tooth loss and other dental issues is a good offense. According to the American Dental Association, your daily dental habits should include:

  • Brushing at least twice a day (for at least two minutes)

  • Using a fluoride-based toothpaste

  • Flossing at least once a day

  • Drinking lots of water

  • Limiting sugary food and drinks

  • Not using tobacco products

Stop problems before they start

Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you experience tooth pain, bleeding gums, swelling, or blisters that won’t heal. These could be signs of a serious condition.

If you take care of your teeth daily and schedule regular visits with your dentist, you and your teeth can enjoy a long and healthy life together.

For more information about how to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, visit our dental health tips page.