Part of being healthy and fit involves good dental hygiene. If you are neglecting your teeth, then the result could be an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Tooth decay could leave you with difficulty eating healthy foods and talking. Your self-esteem could suffer immensely due to stained or missing teeth. You can do a few things to ensure you are practicing good dental hygiene today.

Brush for the Right Amount of Time

You want to start by brushing for the right amount of time twice each day. You need to brush for three minutes straight each time to get rid of all the debris and bacteria on your teeth. It can help to set a timer so that you are always brushing long enough.

Choose Toothpaste with Fluoride in It

You want to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride. The element fluoride is very beneficial for your teeth. It helps to reinforce the structure of the enamel while also actively destroying the bacteria on the surface that can cause plaque. You might also want to use a fluoride mouthwash if it was recommended by your dentist.

Limit Sugary Snacks

You want to limit sugary snacks between your regular meals. A better choice is snacking on a crisp vegetable like celery or carrots. Sugar is food for harmful bacteria. Sugar that sticks to your teeth can power entire colonies of bacteria that will slowly eat away the enamel causing discoloration and tooth decay. Stay away from sugary candies and treats.

Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Your toothbrush can become saturated with bacteria from your mouth. You need to replace your toothbrush regularly. Get a new one every three months or so. If you do not do this, then you might be redepositing the bacteria right back on your teeth each time your brush.