Many people fear dentists, but good oral hygiene habits can change that. This article has information to help you avoid going to the dentist more than you have to. Keep reading to get information about caring for your teeth.
You should brush and clean your teeth thoroughly after every meal you have. Do not hesitate to carry a small toothbrush and some floss with you so you can clean your teeth no matter where you are. If you do not clean your teeth after a meal, make up for it by spending more time cleaning your teeth later.
Eat as many citrus fruits as possible to keep your teeth healthy. Vitamin C helps your teeth stay strong, so you are less likely to have tooth decay if you eat plenty of oranges, lemons limes and other citrus fruits each day. However, sucking oranges or lemons can put your teeth in contact with acid that contributes to decay.
Change your toothbrush every eight weeks. Keeping one longer than this is just introducing bacteria to your mouth, which is contrary to the purpose of brushing. If you have a toothbrush with a removal head, just change the head every two months. Anything used in your mouth longer than this is risky.
Teach your kids proper dental habits from the beginning. When your children get their first teeth in, brush the teeth for them. Once your child is old enough, teach him how to brush teeth on his own. Get a big timer and put 2 minutes on it for your child to make sure he is brushing for long enough, and take him to his first dental appointment when he turns three.
Do not let unknown discomfort go unattended. There are various reasons you may feel discomfort in your teeth or jaw. You could be experiencing the cutting of a wisdom tooth or you may have developed an infection. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications. It is better to know it is minor, than to ignore it until it is major.
Be sure to floss your teeth at least once per day. Good flossing really makes a big difference. Place the floss between your teeth. Gently pull the floss forward and back. Place the floss on the gum line instead of going under the gum. Use floss to clean each side and the back of your teeth.
The toothpaste that you select is very important for maintaining a healthy smile. If the toothpaste you choose is fluoride-rich, this will help your tooth enamel be as strong as possible. It also will help reduce the chances of your teeth decaying. For whiter teeth, select a toothpaste with whitening properties.
Make sure you’re not suffering from dry mouth. Saliva is a natural defense against cavity causing bacteria as well as periodontal disease. Some people suffer from dry mouth due to certain medication side effects and others due to more serious problems. There are a number of products available to help you keep saliva production going or help you replace the saliva altogether.
Good oral health begins with healthy food and beverage choices. You should make it a point to minimize the amount of soda and sweets you consume. Many dental problems can be traced back to these two foods. To keep teeth looking more white, do reduce your consumption of it or stop altogether. It will cause teeth to be stained.
Rinse your mouth out after every meal. Brushing your teeth after every meal is ideal. Of course, many people have jobs and places to be. It isn’t always possible to brush your teeth after eating. If you can’t brush, rinse. Rinsing will rid your mouth of some of the food left behind and neutralize pH levels.
If you are moving from one dentist to another, bring your x-rays with you. X-rays provide valuable information about your teeth and dental history. They can help your new dentist to establish an effective treatment plan that works for you. Many dentists can even email x-rays, making it easy for you to transfer them from office to office.
Before you choose a dentist, check to see if they are a member of the American Dental Association. This group is abbreviated as the ADA. There are professional standards that are the same nationwide for an oral hygiene professional to join. You can also just visit the ADA website to start your local dentist search.
Regularly replace your toothbrush when it gets worn out. Using a worn-out toothbrush can redistribute old bacteria back in your mouth. It can also harm gums and teeth since its bristles are harder and spread out. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Now, you see it is easy to have good dental care if you use the tips here. Anyone has the ability to care for their teeth, you just have to set up a routine you follow daily. Fortunately, these tips have provided you with a solid start to great dental hygiene.
