Oral health is an important component of overall health. Additionally, the appearance of your smile can have a major impact on your self-esteem. These five tips can help you keep your teeth healthy.

1. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Your oral hygiene habits can play a big role in keeping your mouth healthy, but it is still important to make an appointment with family dentistry Highland Park IL, once every six months. Your family dentist will check your teeth for cavities and other problems and recommend any changes you need to make in your oral hygiene routine.

2. Brush Before Bed

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, but the most important time to brush your teeth is before you go to bed. If you forget to brush before you go to sleep, all of the bacteria and plaque that have accumulated on your teeth during the day will wreak havoc on your teeth while you sleep.

3. Brush Your Tongue

Plaque and bacteria can accumulate on your tongue causing bad breath and other problems. Brushing your tongue whenever you brush your teeth can remove these substances and help keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy.

4. Drink More Water

Drinking water is good for your overall health and can also improve your oral health. Drinking water after you eat can help wash away food particles that may harm your teeth before you get a chance to brush.

5. Reduce Consumption of Sugary and Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can erode your tooth enamel. Since sugar turns into acid in your mouth, reducing the number of sugary foods, such as candy, along with acidic foods, such as coffee, can reduce your chance of cavities.

Regular brushing and dental visits, combined with increased water consumption and avoidance of enamel eroding foods can improve your overall oral health. Talk to your dentist about other ways you can keep your teeth healthy.