Improper care of your teeth is linked to maladies such as gingivitis, halitosis, and even deadly infections. Like most people, you’ve probably learned since childhood that brushing and flossing must be performed multiple times daily. Despite this, so many people struggle with cavities, gum disease, and weakened enamel. Fortunately, there is much you can do to promote a bright, healthy smile.
If you want to boost your chances of selecting a good dentist, be sure to ask friends and family members for referrals. Ask them which dentist they use and get their opinions on the service, costs, and quality of care. Their honest assessments can be invaluable as they save you time and effort in your research.
Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride. There are very few toothpastes available that do not contain fluoride, but some of the newer organic toothpastes do not. Fluoride is essential for strong and healthy teeth. So if you want to use an organic toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, use it after you brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
Your mouth is full of both good and bad bacteria. To help destroy the bad bacteria in your mouth brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste several times a day. Ask your dentist for his recommendation of the toothpaste that will work best to protect your teeth from bacteria.
Are you constantly battling tartar buildup? If so, purchase a toothpaste and mouthwash designed for tartar control. Take special care with the two locations tartar shows up: the outside of upper molars, and the interior of your front teeth on the lower inside surface. Visit your dentist to have tartar removed, too.
If a dentist tells you that a deep cleaning is necessary, get checked out by another dentist before you commit to it. Cleaning like this is usually more complicated and expensive so you want to make sure they are doing it for your benefit and not simply to add money to their pockets.
Be realistic about your expectations for whitening toothpastes. The compounds and abrasives they contain are often very helpful at lightening the surface stains on your teeth, such as coffee stains. However, they are not going to address more serious issues like decay or stains that have penetrated the tooth enamel. Most dental experts agree that it is safe to use such toothpastes twice a day.
To help maintain strong, healthy teeth, never smoke cigarettes. It stains your teeth and causes tartar and plaque to build up. Cigarettes also cause you to have a higher risk for gum disease and cancer of the mouth. Stop smoking now to be sure you’re working with healthy gums and teeth.
If you dislike commercial mouthwash, but want a rinse that will keep breath fresh, here is a natural option you can make yourself. You can make your own mouthwash by combining 2 cups of boiling water with a tablespoon of salt, three tbsp. of baking soda and one tablespoon of peroxide. This is an excellent mouthwash.
Some people incorrectly assume that the higher price a dentist charges, the better he or she must be. This is not the best way to determine which dentist is your best bet. The best way to find out which dentists are the most skilled, accommodating and effective is to seek recommendations and reviews. Ask friends and family members for feedback on dentists, or search online for more information.
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.
Avoid sweets as much as possible and be careful about hidden sources of sugar. For instance, did you know that cough drops or natural fruit juice contained high amounts of sugar? You should always purchase the sugar-free version of the foods and drinks you love and completely stay away from candy.
Choosing a toothbrush that has the proper bristles for your needs is important. Ideally bristles should be firm enough to remove plaque but not so firm that they irritate and damage your gums. Whether you choose angled bristles or straight bristles is a personal choice and depends on which type you feel works best.
Wait for a while to brush your teeth after eating anything that’s acidic. Enamel will soften if you eat acid. When the enamel is soft, toothpaste and brushing can erode the enamel which makes your teeth prone to cavities.
Make your dentist, orthodontist, and periodontist proud by taking your oral hygiene regimen to the next level. Although it is undeniably empowering to have an attractive smile, you must remember that dental health goes beyond cosmetic matters. With the insights from this article, you can work toward healthier teeth and gums.
