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Poor dental care and hygiene practices can lead to a surprisingly large number of maladies, not to mention serious pain and inconvenience. But, taking the time to educate yourself on dental care can prevent these issues from occurring. Keep reading for tips and information on improving your dental health.
To keep your teeth looking their best and free of decay, visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can professionally clean away build-up of plaque that can harm the enamel of your teeth. He can also perform an oral exam that can detect and problems with your teeth or gums before they become a serious threat to your dental health.
Brush your teeth twice a week with baking soda. Use it just like you would toothpaste normally. Baking soda will help whiten your teeth over time. You can also use regular salt as a replacement. Just remember never to swallow either, otherwise your sodium levels might get higher than they should.
Eat fresh fruit rather than dried fruit to protect your teeth's health. Dried fruit sticks to your teeth, exposing them to more sugar and leading to more cavities. If you must eat dried fruit, make sure to brush, floss and rinse as soon as possible after eating so that you reduce the risk of cavities.
Make tooth brushing fun for your young children so that they will want to engage in the habit. Play games with your child like seeing who can take longest to brush their teeth. Give children stickers or stars for completing routines that include tooth brushing, and buy them a small present when they have brushed their teeth for a certain number of days in a row.
Drinking soft drinks is not very good for you, but if you are going to have one you should select one that is diet. Those of you that insist on drinking a full-calorie beverage should drinking it rather quickly instead of sipping it since this limits the contact it makes with your teeth.
You should both brush and floss everyday, if not a few times a day. But it is unlikely that you will eradicate all your oral bacteria just by brushing and flossing. An antibacterial mouthwash used after brushing will make sure that your mouth is the cleanest it can be.
As you floss, focus on just one tooth before turning your attention to the next one. Work the floss down to your gum line and then carefully pull it back up to get rid of any plaque that has accumulated. In a back-and-forth motion, rub the floss so that it cleans the tooth well.
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.
Make sure to visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months. Bi-annual cleanings are necessary to keep plaque under control and spot any problems before they become severe. If you have dental insurance, your cleaning visits will usually be covered at 100 percent. Keeping these appointments will save you money and headaches in the long run.
Limit https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1MuAmPgEBo9mxmKpIHzMC61nKYWEWIo29dwjTjdLnwFs/edit?usp=drive_open&ouid=0 of sugary drinks and foods. Sugar is one of the biggest causes of cavities. This is because the sugar is food for the bacteria that can eat away at your teeth. If you do decide to consume a sugary treat, you should wash it down with a glass of milk, water or brush your teeth afterward to prevent negative repercussions.
Don't settle for using just any toothpaste. This is when it's time to buy expensive. Buy a product that has baking soda or a whitening formula and one that fights against tartar and plaque. If need be, get a recommendation from your dentist, and this will make your mouth feel instantly better.
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.
Beware of temperature changes. Large and sudden changes in temperature can cause sensitivity and weaken your enamel. There isn't much that you can do about the weather outside your door. You can, however, monitor what you are eating. Avoid eating and drinking cold and hot beverages and foods together.
If you tend to eat or drink acidic things, try to avoid brushing your teeth for at least an hour after you have finished. The acid in the drink will case a softening of the tooth enamel. You can erode the teeth by brushing when the enamel is too soft.
Opt for a mouthwash that contains fluoride. A fluoride mouthwash bathes your teeth in fluoride helping to prevent cavities. When you use the mouthwash swish it around your mouth allowing the mouthwash to flow between each tooth. Continue this swishing motion for at least a minute for best results.
Try some vinegar for your teeth. You can use plain apple cider vinegar as a pre-rinse when you brush. Gargle a couple tablespoons for 30 seconds, and then brush as usual. Do this twice a day. Vinegar can whiten your smile, remove deeper stains, and it can kill bacteria that breed on your teeth.
Do not neglect regular visits to your dentist. It is best to see your dentist at least every six months, but every three months is even better. Your dentist has the ability to find a cavity or other problem before it becomes a bigger issue, so take a few hours and go see your dentist when you should.
Not caring for your teeth may end up costing you a lot of money. Improper dental care can harm your overall health, not just your mouth's health. After reading this article, you should know how to avoid this fate.
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