Keeping your own dental health in good shape can be tough for some people. Between busy schedules and poor diet habits, just accomplishing this much can be a challenge. However, if you're trying to keep your whole family's teeth and gums healthy, it gets even more complicated. Here are three tips you can easily integrate into your family life that will help to protect everyone's oral health.

Cut Sugar

You've probably heard this before, but sugar is a massive culprit when it comes to tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria in your mouth that are responsible for both of these problems feed on the sugar and proliferate, increasing your risk for developing plaque, tartar, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Most people don't want to give up all sugar, but if you simply cut the amount your family consumes, you'll all benefit. Try removing sugary drinks from the dinner table, and switch to diet or low-sugar varieties of beverages and foods when you can.

Fluoridated Water

Here's an easy way to protect your family's teeth: drink more water.

The vast majority of people have fluoridated water that comes through their taps. That means that the water has had fluoride, the same ingredient used in your toothpaste, added to it. The best way to benefit with this ingredient is to consume it frequently.

To do this, try drinking more water (you can combine this with the above tip!) as a family. You can also switch to mixed drinks that you make up in batches yourself to utilize your fluoridated water. Most beverage companies don't use fluoridated water, so it's healthier for your mouth to drink your own water with flavor added to it than pre-made beverages.

Switch Tools

Finally, consider upgrading the family's tools. Keeping your teeth clean is something you need to visit your dentist for regularly, but if your home equipment isn't up to the task, your teeth may not be getting as clean as they should.

First off, get rid of any toothbrushes with frayed edges. Ideally, you should replace them entirely with electric toothbrushes. These brushes rotate their bristles at a fast pace that gets teeth cleaner than using a manual.

Secondly, consider buying a water flosser. Water flossers use high-powered streams of water to blast away food, bacteria, and plaque.

All of these tips can be useful in keeping your family's oral health in better shape. If you're concerned about your family and want to do what's best for them, talk to your dentist to get more advice and tips on the subject.

Reach out to a professional like Clendenon Kirby DDS for more information.