Save that Smile! Oral Hygiene Tips to Help you Keep your Pearly White

More and more Americans are finding dental care hard to afford. You can get a big discount on dental visits with 2BenefitU’s Dental Benefit, and you can help prevent more serious dental issues (and corresponding big dental bills) by taking great care of your teeth.

Cleaning Tips

Your toothbrush needs to be replaced at least every 2-3 months, and after any episodes of flu or strep throat. Same goes for that electric toothbrush head.

You should also never brush with a hard bristle toothbrush. Try holding your toothbrush like a pencil to prevent yourself from brushing too hard. Scrub gently from a 45 degree angle in a circular motion.

Clean your tongue by brushing gently or using a tongue cleaner. Tongue scrapers are the most effective way to clean your tongue, and you can also use mouthwash after tongue cleaning for fresh breath that lasts.

Nutritive Tips

Crisp apples will help clean your teeth between meals and cut down on sticky plaque. Raw carrots and celery are also good, and plain popcorn with a dash of salt can help as well.

If you can’t brush right after a meal, such “detergent foods” can keep your teeth cleaner until your next date with your bathroom sink.

Gargling with apple cider vinegar cuts down on bacteria in your mouth, and if you swallow a little it’s not bad for you.

Cosmetic Tips

Brush with baking soda once a week for a brighter smile. You can mix it with some very fine grain salt for a little abrasive action and an extra bright smile. Be sure to rinse well with water afterwards.

Stay away from dark juices, wine, cigarettes, and coffee or tea – or at least brush as soon after imbibing as possible to cut down on staining.

Dark lipstick will make your teeth look whiter, so go for bright red and deep corals over washed out pinks. Avoid wearing makeup with any yellow tinge.

Gum Disease Prevention Tips

Practice flossing blindfolded so you can floss anywhere. Flossing can help prevent gum disease

Brush when rising from and going to bed. This takes the plaque off of your teeth and prevents bacteria from creeping down below the gum line.

Visit your dentist twice a year – or at least once if you can’t manage twice. The 2BenefitU Dental Benefit is designed to make going to the dentist more affordable, so you can keep your annual or bi-annual visits and prevent dental issues from becoming big, painful, and expensive problems!