Written by-Tonnesen Keene

Your smile is the first thing people see when they meet you and it can be a factor is every new acquaintance's first impression of you. It is important to take care of your teeth to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Keep reading to find helpful tips and advice for keeping your smile looking its best so you can make a great first impression.

Cavities are caused when your enamel weakens. Bacteria and certain foods can weaken the enamel and cause cavities to appear. You should get your teeth inspected and cleaned by a dentist twice a year to prevent cavities. Your dentist can take some x-rays while you're there to make sure you don't have any cavities getting started.

Change your toothbrush every eight weeks. Keeping one longer than this is just introducing bacteria to your mouth, which is contrary to the purpose of brushing. If you have a toothbrush with a removal head, just change the head every two months. Anything used in your mouth longer than this is risky.





Get your child a brightly colored toothbrush with a favorite cartoon character on it. This will encourage your children to brush teeth nightly. You should also hang up a colorful chart by the bathroom sink with your children's names on it and spaces to check off every time they brush.

To maintain dental health, do not neglect proper flossing. If the floss you are currently using is too thin to adequately get between your teeth, try switching to a thicker kind, such as dental tape. Alternatively, you try doubling the strand of floss in order to achieve the desired thickness.

Make sure you're not suffering from dry mouth. Saliva is a natural defense against cavity causing bacteria as well as periodontal disease. Some people suffer from dry mouth due to certain medication side effects and others due to more serious problems. There are read more of products available to help you keep saliva production going or help you replace the saliva altogether.

Practice flossing with your eyes closed shut. It can take days or even weeks to master this, and there is no real need to rush. The advantage is that once you master this, you can floss anytime and anywhere. Flossing could be something you can do without a mirror, on the road or in the office.

It's important to see your dentist regularly. The exact frequency of your appointments may vary based on your condition. Common time frames include every 3 months, every 6 months and annually. Ask your dentist for a recommendation regarding time intervals.

You ought to choose healthy foods when you can, to avoid teeth damage. When you do eat foods that are high in sugar, be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible thereafter. When you do this, you won't get so many cavities.

Flossing is not difficult, but many people have a hard time doing it. Ask your dentist to demonstrate for you on a model of the mouth and to allow you to practice on that same model. You can also floss in front of the mirror in your dentist's presence so that you can learn how to floss properly.

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.

Using mouthwash on a daily basis is a great way to maintain a healthy mouth. Mouthwash will help pervent periodontal disease. It kills bacteria in your mouth and improves your overall mouth health. Another benefit to using mouthwash is that it will keep your breath fresh. Even if you have a beautiful smile, having bad breath will reduce your smiles' positive impact.

Change full jaw dental implants cost . 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.

The newest thing in candy is sour flavored candies. But these candies contain a high level of acid and sugar which is a perfect combination to erode the enamel and cause cavities. You should avoid such candies if you can, but if you or your children eat them, then rinse your mouth afterwards.

When flossing, gently slide the floss up and down the sides of BOTH teeth. Also, slip it beneath the gums and slide it back and forth to clear out any gunk. There are also brushes you can use which slip between the teeth and clear out anything left behind if floss doesn't do a good enough job.

If you eat or drink anything that contains acid, don't brush your teeth until at least one hour later. Your enamel softens when you drink or eat acidic things. Brushing before your enamel has a chance to recover can be damaging.

The xylitol in sugar-free gum can help to discourage cavities. Chewing gum causes more production of saliva that acts as a wash for your teeth and mouth. The xylitol also helps to reduce the acid level in the mouth. Ideally you should chew the gum immediately after eating.

You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time that you do it. There are many crevices in your teeth that can be hard to reach if you are not taking the time to do so. If you can not estimate what two minutes is you could try singing "Happy Birthday" to yourself as you brush.

Protecting the enamel on your teeth is vital to your keeping your teeth healthy. Foods that are high in acid and sugar (such as soft drinks) can cause the enamel to erode. This will leave your tooth more at risk for cavities, tooth sensitivity and eventually complete erosion, if not treated.

After learning more about how you can take care of your teeth, you should be able to implement a number of changes. Let the tips be your guide, and give yourself the smile you always wanted. Keep learning what you can, and your teeth will look better and better as time passes.