Since your first tooth fell out years ago, you’ve been told about the importance of good oral hygiene. Times have changed and significant advancements have been made in the world of dental care. The following article will offer you helpful advice on taking the best possible care of your mouth.
Brush for at least two minutes. Brushing less than th where plaque can build up. Make sure you give yourself enough time each morning and night to thoroughly crush your teeth properly so as to avoid any plaque buildup.
After brushing your teeth, you should always remember to rinse your toothbrush out with water. When storing your brush, try to find a storage container that will allow your brush to stay upright and air dry. If you place your wet brush into a container with a lid, bacteria has an easier time to grow.
One of the first things people notice about you is your pearly white smile, whether you realize it or not. This is why you want to ensure that your teeth are looking their best at all times. Brushing and flossing your teeth everyday can ensure that you are flashing everyone your very best smile.
Use fluoride, but not too much. Fluoride helps keep your teeth strong. It is especially helpful for children and teens. Too much fluoride, however, can damage teeth. If your city has fluoridated water, you may want to avoid fluoridated toothpaste. Ask your dentist to learn how to get the right amount of fluoride.
If you run out of toothpaste, baking soda and water can be an effective substitute. Simply mix in some water with a small amount of baking soda and use it just as you would toothpaste. An added benefit to using baking soda is that, along with neutralizing mouth odors, its abrasive nature can help with stain removal.
Sugar is a major cause of most types of tooth decay. Eating sugar isn’t the only problem. Drinking sugar can be even more harmful. When you drink sugary drinks, the sugary residue just sits on your teeth. It coats your mouth. As long as the sugar is on your teeth, it is causing damage.
To ensure optimal oral health, floss and brush your teeth frequently. However, you aren’t going to get rid of all the bacteria lurking inside your mouth with simple flossing and brushing. This is why it is important to use a mouthwash every time you brush.
There is another reason other than calorie reduction for avoiding sugary foods. If your diet is too rich in sugar, you will be more likely to get cavities. Fruit juice and soda are extremely high in sugar and cause a lot of damage to your teeth; therefore, you should drink water instead. Save the sweets for holidays and other special occasions.
Take your time when you brush. Brushing for a minute or less is not enough time to thoroughly clean your mouth. It is recommended that you brush for at least two minutes every time you brush, but three minutes is also fine. Anything over that is too long and can be counterproductive to your oral health.
If you are having a cosmetic procedure done, make sure you do your research when it comes to the dentist you want to work with. Always ask to see “before and after” pictures of previous patients. It is important that you have a chance to examine your prospective dentist’s skill level before allowing him or her to work on you.
Make sure you take your children to the dentist at an early age. These initial visits will set the stage for the rest of their life, and you want them to view visiting the dentist as an important bi-yearly event. You can start taking your child to see the dentist when they have teeth, and their pediatrician should be able to make a referral to get the process started.
When brushing your teeth, make sure you are using a soft bristled toothbrush. You may be tempted to choose a medium or hard bristled brush. However, these are mush harsher on your gums and could lead to bleeding. Instead, use a soft brush and make sure you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
You should brush after every meal. This may seem like a chore to many people, but it really will help you maintain optimum dental health. If you are not in a position to brush your teeth after a meal, chew a piece of sugar-free gum. The gum will remove some food particles and activate your saliva to reduce any bacteria formation.
As dental science advances, you’ve got to know how the changes affect you and can improve your life. Hopefully this article has taught you a thing or two you didn’t know about dental care. Teeth are very important aspects of your health and you’ve got to take good care of them for life!