Article writer-Handberg Kehoe
To have the healthiest teeth and brightest smile takes some effort and dedication. Your teeth are often the first thing people notice and give an indication of your overall health. White, straight teeth give the appearance of youth and vigor. Read these tips to keep your teeth in the best condition possible.
A toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. If your toothbrush’s bristles tend to become frayed before the three to four months, you will need to replace your brush sooner. As soon as you notice the bristles fraying, you should discontinue use and go purchase a new toothbrush.
Treat your teeth to dental cleaners between appointments with your dentist. These small, one-time use brushes can make sure your teeth stay clean between your regular brushing. A couple examples include the Sulcabrush and the Reach Stim-U-Dent.
Examine your toothbrush several times a month. Look for signs that you might need to buy a new one. The bristles are often the first indication. If you see that they are becoming frayed, go out and purchase something else. In general, you shouldn’t go longer than four months without getting another brush.
You need to visit your dentist regularly. Try to schedule at least two visits per year, or every six months, to keep your teeth properly maintained, as well as to spot any potential problems before they escalate. This can save you money later on.
Never assume that skipping your dental appointment is okay. Everyone should start getting dental care as soon as they are six months old. Dental check-ups should be done every six months after. This holds true for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Everyone needs to see a dentist twice a year past their first birthday.
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.
If you are searching for a new dentist, you should read the reviews online that others have posted. Being a dentist requires a lot of care. Many people are afraid of the dentist, so if you can read some reviews of what others thought about the dentist before you make an appointment, it will help put your mind at ease.
Sugar feeds the bad bacteria found in your mouth. To help avoid feeding the bacteria brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary drink or food. To help protect your mouth and increase the beneficial bacteria found in your mouth take a probiotic supplement daily. Use both methods to increase the health of your mouth.
Always brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue is as vital to maintaining your oral health as brushing your teeth. Your tongue is full of bacteria. If you leave it be, it can transfer itself to your teeth, which will cause your breath to be bad.
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 choosing a toothbrush, you should ensure that you are choosing one that will be soft enough for you. Your toothbrush should be stiff enough to help you remove any plaque, but it should also be soft enough so that your gums will not hurt. If your gums tend to be painful after brushing, try using a softer brush.
When you brush your teeth can be just as important as how often you brush your teeth. Although most dentists recommend brushing twice a day, it is important to make one of those brushings before you go to sleep at night. The production of saliva is much slower during sleep, and less saliva can allow damaging bacteria to grow.
Keep an eye on how clean your toothbrush is. Throw it out or change the head on an electric one about every two to three months. After using a brush a while, the brush will collect bacteria and food, and some will get stuck deep within the bristles. If you don’t change it out, you are just transferring all of that back onto your teeth.
After each feeding, clean baby’s gums with a soft cloth. It will remove milk sugars from their gums. These milk sugars may cause plaque if left to sit. Following this procedure can help establish a good foundation of dental care for your child.
Change your toothbrush every few months. If you have an electric toothbrush, change the head on it. An old toothbrush can collect bacteria and when you brush you are putting that into your mouth. Be safe and avoid the bacteria by changing it every 2 months for a healthier mouth.
Make sure you brush your tongue. This can be a great way to get fresh breath and to eliminate bacteria in your mouth. Just brush your tongue after you brush your teeth. Another idea is to simply get a tongue scraper, which can be more effective than a toothbrush on your tongue.
It is very important to brush your teeth when you get up and before you go to bed. Saliva dries off during the night, which causes plaque to build up on your teeth. Eliminating plaque before going to bed will help reduce the plaque buildup that occurs during the night.
Smoking causes many dental problems. One of the best things you can do is to quit smoking if you smoke. In addition to protecting your teeth and mouth against dental problems, stopping smoking will help protect your health. Smoking tobacco and chewing tobacco damages your teeth’s enamel. Enamel helps protect your teeth against cavities.
You should now see that there’s no reason to avoid caring for your teeth. You have been given tips for dental care you can use at home, which will prevent you from going to the dentist all the time. Use what you have just learned to maintain a healthy smile.