Caring for your teeth is something that everyone needs to do, but something that no one wants to spend too much time doing. There are many things that can be done to ensure good dental health. Here you will find tips on dental care that can assist you in keeping your teeth healthy.
Cavities, which are also called dental caries, are the result of weakened tooth enamel. Bacteria that is allowed to languish on teeth is just one thing that helps to weaken enamel. You should visit your dentist for a cleaning a couple of times annually to avoid cavities. In addition, your dentist will do regular x-rays on your teeth to check for cavities, so you can be aware of any that may form.
Fluoride can help your teeth become healthy and strong. If your tap water doesn’t have fluoride, you have a higher chance of tooth decay. Toothpaste can be a good source of fluoride. You can also get a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
A visit to your dentist is a good idea if you regularly see blood after cleaning your teeth. A common gum disease symptom is bleeding gums, which can become worse if left untreated. Gum disease can lead to infections, diabetes, bone loss, and tooth loss.
If you are older than 50, use mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol. As you get older, your teeth and gums get more sensitive, which can make alcohol based mouthwashes more painful. Your best bet is to use a mouthwash that contains no alcohol and is fortified with fluoride. Use it twice daily for good results.
Make a point of keeping toothbrushes as hygienic as you possibly can. Always rinse out your toothbrush after each use; you can let it air dry, too. Use a toothbrush holder so the head of your toothbrush does not come in contact with anything. Do not keep your brush in a container; this helps you avoid bacteria. Change out your toothbrush regularly.
You should schedule a dentist appointment every six months. When you get on a regular schedule, you’ll be able to keep a lot of bad issues from occurring. Seeing your dentist regularly is an efficient way to avoid developing gum disease, reduce tooth decay and make sure you have good dental care habits.
Hydrogen peroxide is often used as a tooth whitener. To use hydrogen peroxide in a safe manner, pour a little into the cap and then dip a toothbrush into it. Brush gently and avoid your gums for a minimum of two minutes. Follow up with brushing your teeth with your favorite toothpaste.
Don’t forget to brush the teeth in the back of your mouth! Neglecting your back teeth will lead to cavities in the long run, resulting in costly dentist bills. Therefore, ensure you are thoroughly brushing your back teeth so that you can prevent this.
Brushing your teeth once daily is not sufficient to keep your mouth healthy and clean. Bacteria has grown in your mouth during the night and needs to be removed in the morning. At night, teeth brushing eliminates particles of food that you have consumed throughout the day.
Going to the dentist is something that a lot of kids fear. To allay your child’s fears, explain that healthy teeth are very important and that the dentist only wants to help. Your child will be far more comfortable with a pediatric dentist who offers a welcoming waiting area and a friendly exam room.
Don’t dissuade kids from toothbrush chewing. Even though it’s important to brush the right way for clean teeth, chewing the brush helps a little bit. Also, kids chew on them to get familiar with them. They will like the brush more if they are allowed to familiarize themselves with it.
Replace your toothbrush regularly. Ideally you want to replace your toothbrush about three times a year. Even if you think your toothbrush is perfectly good, the bristles are probably frayed. You will not get good results with an old toothbrush. Make sure to replace your toothbrushes on a regular schedule for the sake of your teeth.
Even if your teeth aren’t real, it is important to take care of your mouth. Like you would brush teeth, brush your dentures. Don’t forget to brush that tongue, too!
You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes. You will remove food particles from your teeth as you brush. If you do not brush long enough, you will not to a good job, and could end up with decay.
The time you spend brushing your teeth should never be less than a full two minutes. Spending more time allows you to eliminate more plaque. If you don’t brush long enough, you can leave a lot of plaque or food behind.
If you don’t like commercial mouthwashes, but still want to rinse your mouth and keep your breath fresh, there is a natural alternative you can use. Mix salt, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together in boiling hot water. You now have an excellent DIY mouthwash.
Watch out for carbonic acids that are found in fruits and even fruit juices, because these can discolor your teeth and slowly erode the enamel. If you frequently drink orange juice or eat citrus fruits, take a few extra minutes to brush your teeth thoroughly afterwards. This can help to ensure that the acid doesn’t eat away your tooth enamel.
A mouth guard is a must if you are playing sports. Your dentist can make one for you if you are unable to locate one that is a perfect fit. Getting hit in the mouth may cause a great deal of damage. Mouth guards minimize this type of damage.
You need to see a dentist if you have a lot of bleeding while brushing. Sometimes this happens when the toothbrush we use is too hard, however it may also be a sign of serious problems like gum disease. Talk to your dentist for advice.
You should not be drinking that many sodas, if any at all. Cola drinks contain various acids. This erodes and discolors the enamel. If you drink soda, there are several ways to protect your teeth. Drink your soda through a straw. Also, brush your teeth using water as soon as you are done drinking it.
If you do not have dental coverage, you still should not skip cleanings and checkups. Dental savings plans may be available to you. Use the Internet or talk to your doctor about these plans if you need a recommendation. Calling around to different dental offices and asking questions can really help to point you in the right direction.
Floss each and every day. Even though your dentist encourages you to do so, most likely this is not something you regularly do. Your teeth aren’t going to be completely clean if you just use mouthwash and brush. Flossing can get to hard to reach places where food hides. Flossing also help your gums stay healthy and helps whiten your teeth.
It is quite common to have your wisdom teeth removed due to discomfort or lack of room in your mouth. You don’t need wisdom teeth for chewing, and extractions are common and safe procedures. An infected or impacted wisdom tooth will need to be removed immediately, but it is best to extract it before this happens.
If your child has never visited the dentist, or if it makes him or her nervous, play “dentist” one day. Assume the role of the dentist, and have your child pretend to be the patient. Count their teeth with a toothbrush. Once you are finished, get a stuffed animal and allow your child to have a turn at being the professional.
Chewing some sugarless gum can help you keep teeth strong and healthy. It will help you produce more saliva. This helps reduce cavity causing plaque on the teeth. By neutralizing natural mouth acids, it can reduce the risk of tooth enamel erosion.
If you have children, buy toothpaste that is appropriate for their age. Young children tend to swallow toothpaste; therefore, toothpaste that is specifically for younger children doesn’t contain toxic chemicals and fluoride. You can change their toothpaste as they get older to maintain their dental health. There are toothpastes made specifically for infants, toddlers, children between the ages of 3 and 5, and children who are older than 5.
Eating fresh fruit is much better for your teeth than dried fruit. The sugar levels in dried fruit are sky high. By eating it, you may actually deposit a lot of sugar on your teeth. If you must eat some, limit it.
Be sure to see your dentist about swollen, bleeding gums. It could just be gum sensitivity, but it could also have to do with heart disease. Your dentist will be able to determine what is causing your gums to swell or bleed after examining your mouth.
Replace a non-electric toothbrush on a regular basis. Electric toothbrushes need heads rotated frequently. If you stay with a toothbrush for too long, the bacteria on the brush will eventually transfer to your mouth. Most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months.
Do you use teeth to open bottles or open plastic packages? You must stop doing this right away. Rather than risking damage to your teeth, keep a pair of scissors on hand. These types of containers can even introduce bacteria into your mouth.
Every now and then, use plaque-highlighting products; once a month is sufficient. The tablets highlight areas where plaque is forming so you know where to concentrate your brushing. Using these regularly prevents gingivitis and reduces plaque buildup.
Your oral health can be damaged by chewing tobacco and smoking. These products can give you mouth damage or even cancer. Should you detect any changes on your gums, tongue or other tissues, visit your dental professional.
There are a number of toothpaste brands which contain baking soda, but you shouldn’t brush your teeth with only baking soda. Baking soda can cause erosion to your enamel. That boosts your chances of cavities.
Any time you can devote to taking care of your teeth will be well spent. There are a lot of quick and easy tooth care tips that will help you. You need to care for your teeth and it doesn’t have to be hard. The advice shared here with you will help you get the pearly whites you want, easily.
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. When you make this connection with your dentist, it can alleviate your fears from these dental visits. A good dentist can candidly discuss your oral health without coming across as scolding or intimidating.