Nobody likes going to the dentist, but it is a necessary part of good of dental health as well as overall hygiene for your mouth; however, an annual trip to the dentist is not enough. There are several things you should do to keep your teeth and gums healthy, so when you do visit the dentist, there will be less work that needs to be done. The following are four overlooked things you should be doing as a part of your daily routine.

Spend enough time brushing

Everyone knows you should brush your teeth after every meal, but the problem is that people make a habit of brushing too quickly. Even when using the proper technique, people often rush through the process of brushing. Specifically, you need to make sure that you're brushing your teeth for a sufficient amount of time. Experts recommend a minimum of two minutes.

Be careful what you drink

Although you may be brushing after a meal, you may be drinking soda pop between meals. It is obvious that sugar sodas are bad for your teeth, but what many people are not aware of is that diet sodas can harm your teeth. This is because of the an ingredient called phosphoric acid. This chemical tends to eat away at enamel on the surface of your teeth, and over time, can make teeth prone to cavities. If you drink diet soda, try to cut back on how much you drink between meals.

Use dental floss

This is often neglected more than brushing teeth, but without flossing, your teeth can develop cavities in places where a toothbrush cannot reach. In addition, keeping your teeth flossed contributes to healthy gums, and it is gum disease that can lead to the loss of one or more teeth.

If you smoke, you need to quit

There are many health issues related to smoking, but one that is not talked amount much is gum disease. When you smoke, the residue from the tobacco on your teeth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause the gum tissue to soften and eventually lead to the loss of teeth. It is not only smoking tobacco that can cause this problem, but also chewing tobacco, so if you have either habit, quitting will increase the health of your gums and teeth.

The four tips listed above are only a few of the less obvious things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Always keep in mind that although visiting a dentist is important, the most important aspect of a healthy mouth is what you do on a daily basis. If you are diligent with oral hygiene, you will be rewarded with healthy teeth that last a lifetime.

To visit a dentist in your area, contact a dentist such as Dr. Susan Bracker, DDS.