Maintaining healthy teeth is all about habits. With the right tooth care practices, you can keep your teeth as healthy and strong as possible. While most dentists will have specific advice for every patient, be sure to follow these simple tips to receive a clean report card from your dentist every time.

1. Brush Before Breakfast: While you are sleeping, bacteria builds up in your mouth and sits on your teeth. By brushing as soon as you wake up, you will eliminate this bacteria before you eat any food. By starting the day with a clean mouth, you reduce your risk of growing more bacteria. Brushing is a dental care basic that can’t be skipped, so be sure to brush before bed as well.
2. Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods: Remember when your mom warned you about rotting your teeth with all of that Halloween candy? Well, she was right. Excess sugar from sweets, juice, and soda can eat at your teeth and cause cavities. While presenting less direct harm, consuming too many acidic foods can also be dangerous, as it wears down your enamel.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water washes your teeth clean of bacteria and encourages saliva production. Try to also drink tap water when possible, since it contains beneficial fluoride. Also consider adding green and black tea to your healthy drinking habits as well. This options have bacteria-fighting properties to keep your teeth strong.
4. Eat A Vitamin-Rich Diet: Enjoying plenty of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for whole-body health, but it is also key for a healthy mouth. Your teeth need specific nutrients such as Vitamin A and D to keep their strength. If you are having problems with your teeth, your dentist may be able to point to a specific vitamin deficiency.
5. Schedule Dental Checkups: The average person in the United States visits the dentist every three years, which is far too long to wait. By sticking with a semi-annual appointment schedule, you can have your oral health carefully inspected by a dentist. If you are at risk for developing cavities, you and your dental service professional can go over what you can do differently.

By finding the best dental services and developing the best dental habits, you can do everything you can to prevent cavities. While all dentists will recommend brushing, flossing, and eating a nutrient-rich diet, ask your dentist or hygienist what you can do differently in your daily life.