How To Practice Good Dental Hygiene For Life

Many people think that it's important for their kids to go to the dentist while neglecting their own dental health. However, while cavities often strike during childhood, problems like periodontal disease and root canals crop up during adulthood. These issues cause much more pain and cost much more money to take care of.

Visit your dentist regularly. A lot of times dentists are able to spot problems before you ever have any type of pain. If they can find the problems before you have pain, they can usually fix them relatively easily. This can save you a lot of money and pain.


Of course, we must always brush two times daily; however, sometimes it's necessary to brush even more than that. If you consume sugary food and beverages, you should brush your teeth right away to avoid cavities.

A healthy tongue is just as important as healthy teeth and gums. Buy a tongue scraper to protect your oral health. These low-cost dental items get rid of the harmful bacteria that is present on your tongue. If you do not have access to a tongue scraper, you can clean your tongue using your toothbrush to remove excess bacteria.

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.

In order to save tooth enamel, refrain from brushing too hard and select a soft or medium bristle toothbrush. Brushing too hard can actually wear down tooth enamel and once the enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced! Using a hard bristle brush also can be detrimental to the enamel. Using the proper brush and technique can go a long way in preserving your tooth enamel.

Never assume that skipping your dental appointment is okay. Everyone should start getting dental care as soon as they are six months old. Dental check-ups should be done every six months after. This holds true for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Everyone needs to see a dentist twice a year past their first birthday.

Having a hard time grasping the notion of a $75 toothbrush? Many dentists say that a high-quality electric toothbrush can be as close to an in-office cleaning as you can get. Granted, this type of brush cannot eliminate ALL buildup from under the gums, but it certainly comes close. Select a multiple-head model that has a superior warranty attached to it.

Begin taking your children to the dentist at an early age. It is advisable that their first visit happen very soon after the first tooth comes in. The dentist can evaluate how the baby teeth are growing and look for any abnormalities in the tooth surface. In addition, he or she can provide you with some good tips on taking care of the child's teeth at home.

If you're struggling with your wisdom teeth, the dentist may have to extract them. This is quite safe, and you won't miss them a bit. Wisdom teeth sometimes develop an infection and need to be removed promptly.

Avoid drinking a lot of soda. Soft drinks are very acidic. Acid can deteriorate and discolor tooth enamel. If you do drink soda on a regular basis, you can do a few things to help. You can drink through a straw. You can also brush after drinking and use water to rinse your mouth.

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.

Avoid sweets as much as possible and be careful about hidden sources of sugar. For instance, did you know that cough drops or natural fruit juice contained high amounts of sugar? You should always purchase the sugar-free version of the foods and drinks you love and completely stay away from candy.

Regularly replace your toothbrush when it gets worn out. Using a worn-out toothbrush can redistribute old bacteria back in your mouth. It can also harm gums and teeth since its bristles are harder and spread out. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Few things are more hazardous to your oral health than tobacco products. You can get oral cancer, as well as simple gum and tooth damage. Smokers and tobacco users should consult their dentist immediately if they notice any sores or ulcers in their mouth.

To help ensure that you are properly cleaning your teeth change your toothbrush every three months. Many of today's toothbrushes come with colored bristles that fade over time. This convenient feature is used to help you know when it is time to change your toothbrush. If you notice your bristles are not changing colors within three months, it is still important to go ahead and change your toothbrush.

Eat foods that will actually help clean your teeth. These are foods that are typically crisp and firm. WHen you bite into them, they massage your teeth and gums, removing bacteria and dental plaque in the process. Some foods to consider are apples, popcorn, and celery. Many raw vegetables will fit the bill here.

Use a tongue scraper for the freshest breath. Bacteria can grow on your tongue causing bad breath.

Medications or vitamins that have a high acid content can erode the enamel on your teeth and leave you at risk for cavities, sensitive teeth or decay. Aspirin and vitamin C are two of the more common culprits in this category. Simply rinse your mouth after taking acidic medications or vitamins, especially the chewable ones.

Like the article said at the beginning, a lot of parents take their kids to the dentist twice a year while never going themselves, or going less often. The problems that can happen in your mouth during the adult years often involve gum disease. The solutions to those problems are often painful and costly if you don't go to your biannual appointments.