As is the case with most things, you only have one chance to help your teeth remain healthy. If you allow these problems to go unchecked, an unattractive smile is the least of your worries. You are also at risk for gum disease and cavities. Take control of your dental care by using the tips below.
If you’re having a problem with a tooth infection and you can’t make it to the dentist, try the emergency room. An infection can do a lot of damage to your body if it goes untreated. You will get antibiotics but it will cost you quite a bit of money.
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.
Did you just break your tooth? The first thing that you need to do is get in touch with your dentist. After you get in touch with them, rinse your mouth out with warm water. Then use a cold compress on the area to reduce the swelling and decrease any pain.
Brush your teeth twice a day. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. If doing so is not an option, make sure you at least brush after waking up and then again, after going to bed. Regularly brushing your teeth is one of the easiest ways to prevent tooth decay.
If you feel that you aren’t getting ready of all plaque, use a special tablet. Before brushing, chew or gargle with the product. The blue or pink stain will highlight any areas with buildup. It is worth noting, however, that you should only use these products if you have time to brush away all traces of it. You should never use these products whenever you are pressed for time.
Make tooth brushing fun for your young children so that they will want to engage in the habit. Play games with your child like seeing who can take longest to brush their teeth. Give children stickers or stars for completing routines that include tooth brushing, and buy them a small present when they have brushed their teeth for a certain number of days in a row.
Stop smoking to improve your dental health. Smoking harms both teeth and gums. It can even discolor your teeth. Smoking disrupts the blood supply to the gums, which makes it harder for them to remain strong and healthy. This reduced blood supply makes it more difficult for dentists to diagnose gum diseases.
Make sure that you brush well. You should always brush in the morning and again before you retire for the night. Saliva can dry up when you sleep, which causes bacteria to grow more quickly. Set a timer for a minimum of 2 minutes and hold the brush at a 45 degree angle.
Finding a good dentist is important, but it is equally important to practice good oral hygiene every day. Make sure to brush your teeth in the morning and evening. Use a soft-bristled, gentle toothbrush, and brush all surfaces of each tooth. Doing this will help to keep your teeth healthy in between dental visits.
Floss your teeth twice a day. Flossing is helpful in getting food and plaque out from between your teeth. When allowed to sit there, any foreign substance can cause decay in your teeth, and that is what causes cavities. Each morning and night after you brush, floss between every tooth.
Use sensitive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth. Do your teeth hurt if you drink something hot or cold? If so, your teeth are probably sensitive. There are toothpastes on the market that can help your sensitive teeth. You use it just as you would any other toothpaste and can experience less or no tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist may refer you to a specialist for a root canal, extraction or other special procedure. If your dentist refers you to a specialist, pay attention to how you feel in the specialist’s office; you may need to ask your dentist for another recommendation if you don’t feel you can get adequate care from the specialist he or she referred you to.
If you have a young child, consider asking your dentist about fluoride treatments at their six month dental visits. Fluoride treatments provide a longer lasting coat of protection to each tooth, and this protection lasts much longer than traditional toothpaste. This can help to keep cavities away and keep your child’s teeth healthy.
As you can see by now, it is important to practice proper dental care. Healthy teeth for a lifetime depends on your good care. Use this information to have a brilliant smile for years to come.
