If you notice a twinge of pain in one or more of your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. These twinges are indicative of a crack or chip in the enamel, and are more common in people where fluoridated water is not common. It is so important to address the problem quickly because even a repair will not restore the enamel to its original strength. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be that you need a root canal or further intervention.
A glass of water a day keeps the dentist away. Actually, make that eight glasses of water, or 64 ounces. When you drink enough water, you are less likely to drink things that harm your teeth. When you skimp on water, you fill up on soda pop, Kool-Aid, and other sugary drinks.
Believe it or not, saliva is actually your teeth's best friend! Natural saliva contains minerals, enamel-strengthening antibacterial properties and the power to neutralize acid. If you are a woman over the age of 50, menopause may be causing dry mouth, which, then leads to bad breath. Specially formulated dry mouth products can help to eliminate embarrassing odors caused by a lack of saliva.
Choose some waxed floss if you are having a hard time with flossing. This type of floss is easier to hold. You could also get a floss-holder to help you clean your teeth efficiently or replace floss with a dental pick to clean between your teeth. You will still have to use floss to remove the plaque from your teeth.
Floss, floss, floss! Sure everyone brushes their teeth like they're supposed to, but how many of them actually floss. Flossing cleans the area between your teeth where food can get stuck and bacteria can spread. This will also prevent the onset of possible infections that can occur if you don't floss.
If your young child is swallowing a lot of toothpaste, consider switching to a toothpaste without fluoride. Fluorideis quite beneficial in keeping teeth healthy, but it can be dangerous if you injest a large amount. A young child does need to brush daily, but sometimes using a non-fluoride toothpaste in the earliest stages of brusing can be beneficial.
Ask your friends ad family for recommendations if you are looking for a new dentist. It's hard to tell how good a dentist is from reviews online or from looking at his diplomas, so asking people you trust for a recommendation is often the best way to go if you need to find a dentist.
Be vigilant about taking care of your teeth. If you notice anything that concerns you, make sure you call your dentist to see if you need to come in for an extra appointment. Some signs to watch out for are bleeding gums, sensitivity to cold or hot or excessively bad breath throughout the day.
Strengthen your existing enamel with the foods that you eat. Certain vitamins and the mineral calcium, in particular, all help out with this. Foods that are good to accomplish this with include nuts, meats and dairy choices. Avoid sugary foods, soft drinks and sweetened teas, as these will do immediate damage to your enamel.
Change your toothbrush every few months. This is a good way to make sure you aren't just putting bacteria back into your mouth every time you go to brush your teeth. If you use an electric toothbrush, make sure that you replace the head of the brush every few months as well.
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.
You need to see your dentist at least twice a year. This is important in helping you find any problems before they get worse. For example, your dentist may find a spot where a cavity is trying to form. He can then stop it before it becomes a real problem.
When it comes to proper dental care, there really is no substitute for making and keeping regular appointments with the dentist. Receiving thorough cleanings and exams is always the best way to be proactive about dental health, identify problems before they escalate and ensure skilled, professional treatment if issues do ever arise.
You should replace your toothbrush every three months. As you use a toothbrush, the bristles wear out. When the bristles become worn, your toothbrush can harm your gums. This can cause your gums to begin bleeding. For best results, choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.
Learn how to floss properly. Start by wrapping about 18" of floss around your middle finger. Holding that floss tightly between your fingers and thumb, gently insert around a tooth without "jamming" it in. When it reaches the gumline, gently curve it into a C-shape. Gently scrape the sides carefully. Repeat this for every tooth.
Do not get into the bad habit of tearing open plastic packages with your teeth. Your teeth should be treated with care. Using it to tear non-food items can damage your teeth and gums. Open your packages with a knife or a pair of scissors, and not with your teeth.
Replace your toothbrush often. You should avoid having the same toothbrush for more than 2 or 3 months. If you do not replace it, you will be putting the same bacteria you brushed off of your teeth, back onto them. With frequent replacement, you will always have a clean mouth after brushing.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, choosing a good dentist is no easy task. For every single great dentist, there are 10 average to below average ones. Make sure you implement the advice mentioned earlier and you will be well on your way towards choosing a dentist you will love for years to come.
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