You might think you have your oral hygiene routine down to a science but brushing and flossing regularly is the bare minimum. The truth is, there are other things you can do to take care of your teeth and perfect that radiant smile. Here are five tips that will boost your dental care routine.

Don’t Brush for At Least 20 Minutes After Eating Acidic Foods

Wine, soda, orange juice, and tomatoes have a low Ph Balance which means that they contain acid that coat your teeth. If you brush immediately after eating acidic foods, the acid reacts to the abrasion and can soften or weaken the enamel of the tooth. If you must brush right after eating acidic foods, try rinsing your mouth out thoroughly with water to wash away some of that acid.

Eat Raw, Fibrous Food

You need more time to chew raw celery, cucumber, or an apple, and this automatically stimulates the salivary glands in your mouth. The saliva in your mouth will help neutralize acids in the teeth. Besides, dentists agree that fibrous food helps scrub the tooth and loosen accumulated plaque which results in whiter teeth.

Don’t Sip Your Soda

If it’s a cheat day and you’re going to be drinking a soda or a sweet beverage, drink it all at once. If you sip at it through the course of a day, you’re exposing your mouth to a constant supply of sugar. This sugar is gobbled up by bacteria in your mouth and metabolized into lactic acid. The lactic acid dissolves minerals in your mouth resulting in cavities.

Use Mouthwash and Sugar-Free Gum

An antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing is another way to fight plaque activity. Chewing sugar-free gum is another way that fights bacteria, stimulates saliva, and strengthens tooth enamel.

Start Brushing at The Rear

Most people start brushing their front teeth but starting at the upper right side in the back is a sure-fire way of getting to all the corners of your mouth. Your molars which are the way in the back are more susceptible to gum disease and cavities. It’s easy for bacteria to hide there so a habit of taking care of them regularly will go a long way.