When it comes to your teeth, you absolutely have to take care of them. While you may not appreciate your teeth in your younger years, you’ll sure regret it later on in life if and when you have to get fitted with dentures. Use this article and learn how to properly maintain your teeth.
Remember that you are what you eat, and so are your teeth. If you smoke a lot and drink red wine often, your teeth do get discolored. If you want whiter teeth, change what you eat. If it’s dark going on your mouth, your teeth are going to get dark from it.
Eat what are known as detergent foods. These are foods that naturally clean your mouth as you eat them. Apples are the most famous example. Other choices include raw carrots, celery and popcorn. Ending a meal with a detergent food is a great way for your mouth to end the eating cleaner.
Brush ALL of your teeth, every single time. The act of brushing your teeth seems simple enough, so why do so many people do it incorrectly. A recent survey of dentists reveals that one of the most common mistakes people make is brushing only their front teeth. Don’t focus on brushing only the teeth that other people see. Your molars and other back teeth are equally important, so don’t neglect them!
Consider purchasing an electric toothbrush or electric flosser. These kinds of dental equipment are often better at removing debris from your teeth and gums because they use vibrations to help dislodge food particles and other things from your teeth. Electric flossers are particularly helpful because they are often easier to get between your teeth than a standard flosser.
The toothbrush that you use is very important for proper oral hygiene. Try to select a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This will help protect your gums and will keep them from bleeding. Also, look for a toothbrush that has a tongue cleaner so that you will be able to have the cleanest mouth possible.
It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. The first time should be after breakfast to get rid of all the gunk on your teeth from your meal and from sleeping overnight. The second time is before bed, ensuring that you clean off dinner detritus and daily build-up.
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.
Take a toothbrush with you wherever you go. That way, if you eat at a restaurant, you can take a few minutes to brush your teeth afterwards. This will help you to remove food and bacteria from your teeth much more quickly than waiting until bedtime to take care of your teeth.
Mouth guards are essential for athletes to use. If you’re unable to locate one that properly fits your mouth, see if your dentist is able to customize one for you. It’s important because a hard hit can really damage your teeth. Avoid damage by using an adequate mouth guard.
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.
Calcium plays a huge role in tooth strength, so make sure you’re getting at least 500mg per day. If you’re not eating a lot of dairies, nuts or calcium-rich vegetables, take a supplement instead. This is the best way to avoid enamel problems or cavities down the road, so take it seriously.
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.
Replace your toothbrush every three months. Even if you are extremely dedicated to cleaning your toothbrush properly, it’s best to safe and not play chances with bacteria. Plus, bristles wear down after months of usage, so they don’t clean as well. This goes whether you have an old-fashioned tooth brush or an automatic brush with cleaning heads.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, taking care of your teeth now, will pay off tenfold later on down the line. Make sure to implement the tips and tricks mentioned and you will be well on your way towards healthy and bright looking teeth. Your teeth will thank you for it!