It’s not even a second thought for us most of the time – our mouth mannerisms. We go about our day dedicating minimal attention to small habits and hygiene practices that, believe it or not, make a big difference when we are face to face with others. Whether you feel you’re conscious about your oral etiquette or not, take a look at these tips and make sure they’re in line with your daily practices!

1. Be conscious of your gum chewing.

We’re all for minty-fresh breath, but no one wants to be around an obnoxious chewer. It can be easy to forget there are others in a close proximity to you that may be annoyed by the sounds you are making while chewing gum. So be courteous. If it’s too difficult to control this habit, try mints – they’ll still get the job done.

2. Brush – twice daily.

Your dentist tells you every visit and your mother has been reminding you since you were two years old. It’s not for their good health – it’s for YOURS! Most of us brush our teeth when we wake up in the morning, but it is equally important to brush at the end of the day as well. 

Going to sleep without a good brush is like showing up to work without showering. Plaque will build up while you sleep and cause teeth deterioration, bad breath and various other (noticeable) complications. Take the extra 3 minutes every night to give your mouth a good scrub – it’s worth it.

3. Cough the “classy” way.

This one is pretty much common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to cover their mouths or turn away from their peers when coughing. It’s really as simple as that. Use your hand to cover your mouth. If that bothers you, use a napkin, or even under your shirt. As long as you’re not getting your germs all over your friends, you’re doing it right.

4. Watch how you talk at the table.

This really has nothing to do with hygiene, but everything to do with manners. We understand, there are words in our vocabulary that may not be child-friendly, yet they slip out every once in a while. Be aware of who you’re around – especially at the dinner table this Thanksgiving. Chances are those words won’t be appropriate for the setting, so make sure you steer clear of them.

5. Sucking your teeth/biting your nails is not appealing.  

Many people have a tendency of doing one or both of these things. It’s not polite, and it’s definitely not appealing for a couple of reasons. First, biting your nails isn’t good for the health of your nails/fingers. Second, sucking your teeth is distracting and the increase of saliva on your teeth can create additional plaque on the surface of your teeth. Just don’t do it.

Minding your mouth manners is important in all social interactions. These are just a few of the ways you can be aware of your behavior, especially with approaching holiday festivities!