What You Need To Do For Healthier Teeth

Many people are nervous about going to the dentist, because they don't like to have their mouths poked and prodded. However, the minor inconvenience of a biannual cleaning is much less invasive than the root canal that will come if you don't take care of your teeth. Going to the dentist twice a year is the best way to keep a healthy set of teeth.

Be sure to brush two times daily. The ADA recommends doing this, so it's based on sound advice. Brushing in the morning when you wake up, and at night before you go to bed, can help you to keep a healthy mouth. Also think about flossing when you do these things.

When you start noticing a cavity forming, or any tooth pain, you should call a dentist as soon as possible. This is because once this starts happening, you could lose the tooth. You could also end up spending tons of money getting it replaced. Take care of your teeth regularly and find a dentist in your area.

If you are worried about getting work done on your teeth, speak to the dentist prior to your appointment. This will give him or her a heads up on how you are feeling, and they can figure out how to best reassure you. Try to be specific about exactly what it is that you don't like about the process.

Make sure you spend a full two or three minutes brushing your teeth twice daily. To help you keep brushing, there are a couple of tricks you can use. You can buy an electronic toothbrush with a timer. Play a song that is 2 or 3 minutes long while you brush.

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.

Eating when you're not hungry not only adds weight, but can also increase your risk of cavities. If you snack throughout the day, you expose your teeth to more cavity-causing bacteria, sugars and acid. Thus, you should eat only when you're hungry in order to protect your dental health.

Drink your milk! Calcium plays a role in the hardness of bones and teeth, so you should ensure that you're getting enough dairy in your diet. It is also said that those with a high-dairy diet end up with fewer other health related problems, so enjoy a glass of skim milk today!

Get your kids excited about brushing their teeth. There are many great videos out there that can not only show your kids how to brush their teeth, but also why it is so important. Watching other kids and characters that they like displaying good dental care habits, will hopefully motivate them to do the same.

Studies show that following up your healthy tooth brushing habit with a fluoride rinse can reduce your chance of cavities by as much as a third! That is a lot of potential cavities, so ask your dentist to recommend the most effective wash. Pick up a travel-size too and keep it handy for those times when you can't brush.

You should throw out your toothbrush every two months to ensure it's clean and your mouth remains healthy. Your best bet is to choose a soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush. Harder brushes could potentially erode the enamel or cause your gums to bleed. Buy a name brand to ensure it's of high quality.

When you brush your teeth, set a timer for two minutes to ensure you do it for long enough. Keep the brush itself at 45-degrees to ensure it gets beneath the gums and between the teeth. Always make your way around the mouth in the same direction so you never miss any teeth.

If you have braces or partials, you should consider using an oral irrigator to help keep your teeth clean. An oral irrigator should be used in addition to regular flossing and brushing. The oral irrigator effectively flushes food particles from between your teeth and brackets by using pressurized water.

Brush your teeth with baking soda at least once a week. Baking soda is a natural cleanser that will leave your mouth clean and your teeth whiter. Baking soda is a great non abrasive way to get whiter teeth. It is also cheaper than other whitening methods out there.

Often overlooked, but still quite important in terms of proper dental care is the subject of nutrition. By following a well-balanced diet that is high in essential nutrients, it is easier to stave off tooth decay. By steering clear of sticky candies and items high in processed carbohydrates, you will have an easier time keeping the surfaces of the teeth clean throughout the day.

Don't forget to clean your tongue too. There can be a lot of plaque on that tongue, making it a major cause of bad breath. Brushing it at the same time as your teeth is the way to go. Spend 20 to 30 seconds brushing back and forth on your tongue.

There are many drinks that can stain your teeth. To help keep your teeth looking sparkling white, avoid drinking coffee, tea and wine. You can occasionally enjoy these drinks; however, always enjoy a glass of water afterwards. If you can, swish some water around your mouth and spit it out to help remove any stains.

Chew gum that has xylitol in it. Studies have shown some evidence that xylitol, an artificial sweetener, has some properties that help repel bacteria. If you can't get to a toothbrush right away, chewing a bit of gum containing xylitol might be able to protect your teeth for some time.

As was stated earlier, a lot of people have nerves about heading to the dentist. The only thing to be nervous about, though, is the trouble that builds up in your mouth the longer you go without getting your teeth cleaned. Root canals and other forms of mouth surgery are more likely if you neglect your cleaning schedule.