Would you like to avoid cavities and keep your breath fresher? Improving your oral hygiene habits can help. Our Kissimmee, Orlando, and 
Hunter's Creek, FL area dentist, Dr. Adel Mansour, shares a few ways you can take your oral hygiene routine to the next level.
Spend more time brushing
How much time do you spend brushing your teeth? If you get the job done in 30 seconds, you're probably leaving plaque behind on your teeth. The sticky film causes cavities and also contributes to bad breath. If plaque remains on your teeth for as little as a week, it may turn into tartar, a deposit that's so hard that you can't remove it at home. Unsightly tartar irritates your gums and may cause gum disease if it isn't removed during a dental cleaning in our Kissimmee, Orlando, and Hunter's Creek area office.
Protect your smile by devoting at least two minutes to brushing your teeth. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and gently clean the front and back of each tooth with a circular motion to remove plaque and tartar build-up.
Make flossing a priority
No matter how well you brush your teeth, you may still develop cavities if you don't floss. In addition to coating the front and back sides of teeth, plaque and tartar also forms in between teeth. Flossing daily removes plaque and food debris that can contribute to bad breath.
Follow up with mouthwash
Mouthwash may help you avoid tooth decay if you choose a type that offers anti-cavity production. The product kills bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. Read labels carefully when you choose mouthwash. Products that contain alcohol can irritate or dry your mouth. Because dry mouth is a factor in bad breath, you may actually worsen your breath if you choose an alcohol-based product.
Avoid sticky candy
Sugary candy isn't good for your health or your teeth, but it's not always so easy to avoid temptation. If you do indulge in candy occasionally, choose a treat that isn't sticky. After you eat a caramel or handful of gummy bears, tiny pieces of the sugary candy remain stuck to your teeth until the next time your brush. Sticky, acidic candy is even worse for your smile. Sticky candies that are labeled sour not only expose your mouth to sugar for hours, but may also weaken your tooth enamel.
Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups can help keep your smile healthy. If it's time for your next exam, call our Kissimmee, Orlando, and Hunter's Creek, FL, area dentist, Dr. Mansour, at (407) 483-9990 to schedule an appointment.