excellent dental hygiene that everyone wants to enjoy. A significant reason for going to the dentist is to keep your mouth healthy — and there's nothing like that squeaky-clean sensation you receive all over your mouth after a routine exam and expert cleaning! 

You should visit a dental specialist twice a year for check-ups, but it is up to you to keep your mouth healthy in between appointments. Here is a list of six effective tips on how to take care of your oral cavity.

1. Brush your teeth properly

Brush your teeth twice a day, as you've most likely been advised since you were a kid. This advice is still valid, and it is one of the most basic and vital components of your dental hygiene. To help strengthen your teeth, use cavity-fighting toothpaste, especially one containing fluoride. Brush your teeth twice every day, once in the morning and once at night.

But going through the motions isn't enough; you also need to brush your teeth thoroughly. Brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions. Brush not just the fronts of your teeth, but also the edges and the backs of your teeth. Brushing your tongue and inner cheeks is also essential to keep them clean.

2. At the first sign of wear, replace your toothbrush

As a general guideline, replacing it every 3 to 6 months should maintain it in good enough condition to thoroughly clean your teeth. Damaged or frayed toothbrushes can't clean the surface of your teeth properly and might cause gum injury. Replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis also helps to keep it clean. If you've been sick, make sure to replace your toothbrush to avoid reintroducing bacteria into your mouth.

3. Don’t brush too hard or too often 

Brushing twice a day is great, but brushing three times a day is much better... right? Wrong! Brushing too often or too aggressively can cause gum recession and damage the root surfaces of the teeth. Exposed roots may be more sensitive and prone to deterioration. 

These surfaces are also not protected by the super-hard enamel that covers the crowns of your teeth, so they erode faster. It doesn't take much elbow grease to remove stuck food particles and bacterial plaque — a softer, longer-lasting effort is better. If your mouth needs refreshing, eat something fibrous like apples, carrots, or celery.

4. Floss daily

We know it's a chore, and we're sometimes forgetful after brushing our teeth if we're hurrying out the door or going to bed. However, flossing can help you get rid of harmful substances and food particles that regular brushing can't. Flossing helps you reach areas between your teeth that toothbrush bristles and mouthwash can't clean. 

5. Stay hydrated

It's essential to keep your mouth moist. Dry mouth increases the buildup of biofilm (plaque) and your risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Staying hydrated has several health benefits for the entire body. It keeps sensitive tissue in your mouth moist and stimulates the beneficial function of saliva. Saliva not only buffers acids but also promotes digestion, helps the mouth fight bacteria, and even protects enamel from decay.

6. Maintain a healthy diet

Teeth and gums require a certain diet to stay healthy. Consume a nutritious, well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are necessary for good dental health maintenance.

Sugary meals are primarily responsible for the development of caries because oral bacteria use them as an energy source, generating acids that erode tooth enamel.  Try to avoid them at all or if you do eat anything sweet, rinse your teeth thoroughly to ensure there are no leftovers.