Can you confidently say that you take great care of your teeth in between dental appointments? Maybe you do certain things, but could you do better. Sure you could if you had more information, so keep reading this article to find out what you can do differently to help your teeth.
What kind of toothpaste do you use? It is best to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you have issues with cavities, choose a toothpaste designed to reduce your risks of developing cavities. You can also choose a product designed for people with sensitive gums if this is your case.
If you are having a hard time brushing your teeth efficiently, you should consider getting an electric toothbrush. These devices are very efficient and will allow you to clean your teeth thoroughly without having to brush vigorously. This is your best option if you have arthritis or if your children do not brush their teeth properly.
Avoid snacking on carbs if possible. Potato chips and other salty snacks will not be easy to remove from your teeth. If you need to have a snack, choose some fruits or another healthy food. Clean your teeth immediately afterward if you can, or plan on spending more time flossing later.
Floss, floss, floss! Sure everyone brushes their teeth like they’re supposed to, but how many of them actually floss. Flossing cleans the area between your teeth where food can get stuck and bacteria can spread. This will also prevent the onset of possible infections that can occur if you don’t floss.
Invest in one of those small hand-held mirrors like your dentist uses in his office. It can help you to spot plaque and tarter build-up in places not accessible to the naked eye and can assist you when you’ve got something stuck in between teeth. You can also use it to inspect your mouth for anomalies that may indicate underlying health issues.
Don’t simply brush the surface of your teeth. You also need to brush your gums and the backside of your teeth. Brushing your gums can prevent cavities from developing underneath your gum line.
See your dentist for a checkup twice each year. This is a very important part of dental care. Your dentist will make sure your teeth are clean, cavity free and that there is no sign of gum disease. Catching problems early is the best way to ensure easy treatment and avoid more serious procedures.
If your teeth are particularly sensitive and you haven’t been able to find relief with a specialty toothpaste, visit your dentist. There are actually prescription-strength toothpastes formulated for extra sensitive teeth. They may cost you a little more but in the end, it will be well worth being able to brush comfortably without sensitivity issues.
Don’t settle for using just any toothpaste. This is when it’s time to buy expensive. Buy a product that has baking soda or a whitening formula and one that fights against tartar and plaque. If need be, get a recommendation from your dentist, and this will make your mouth feel instantly better.
If you find that your mouth and lips are dry a lot, tell your dentist about it. If you are taking medications, they may be the cause. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether your medications are causing your dry mouth, and can help you determine how you can treat it.
If you are someone that has always been intimidated by seeing a dentist, you may be able to change that by learning more about your dentist. Becoming closer to your dentist can help to remove feelings of anxiety. A good dentist can candidly discuss your oral health without coming across as scolding or intimidating.
Eat an apple everyday. This tip has been around forever, leaving some to believe that it is just an old myth, but it is not. Apples are full of vitamins that are good for your teeth and also make your teeth stronger because eating an apple is like a workout for your teeth.
When you are brushing, handle the brush gently in your mouth. Proper brushing doesn’t involve a lot of pressure on your teeth. You may think you are cleaning better with some pressure, but really you are just traumatizing your gum area in the process. This can lead to receding gums and pockets.
Avoid food and beverages that are high in acid unless you can brush immediately after consuming them. Drink soda, tea and coffee through a straw whenever possible to limit contact. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating citrus fruits, tomatoes and other acidic fruits.
Feel empowered with the information you’ve just read as you work out a much better system for taking care of your teeth on a daily basis. You will be glad that you did. Stay informed, and see what your dentist has to say next time you pay him or her a visit.
