Written by-Erichsen Murray

As it is with many things, you get one opportunity to achieve a healthy smile. If you do not protect your teeth, you may experience cavities, gingivitis and eventually gum disease. Read this article and use these tips to take action and improve your hygiene.

To clean your teeth effectively, select a soft-bristled toothbrush and be sure that the size is appropriate for your mouth. To prevent dangerous bacteria from forming on your toothbrush, let it air dry when you are not using it. Your toothbrush should be stored upright to allow it to air dry properly.

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.

Take care of your tooth brush. Rinse your tooth brush thoroughly after use. Store it in an upright position, allowing it to air dry. Try not to leave your tooth brush in an enclosed area. This could encourage the growth of bacteria or even mold. If the cleanliness of your toothbrush is compromised, replace it immediately.

If sparkling white teeth from a toothpaste sounds too good to be true, that's because it is. While non-prescription whitening pastes and rinses may remove light stains on the surface of teeth, they will not produce the best possible results. Only your dentist can help you to achieve these results, often with bleach.

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.

Check your toothbrush for how hard the bristles are. You want something that is soft or even medium grade. Hard bristles can actually wear down your enamel over time. You want something that can remove debris and clean the surfaces of your teeth, but not actually do damage to them.





Keep the tooth if you have one knocked out accidentally. Clean the tooth with water. If there is flesh attached, leave it in place. See if the tooth will slide back into the empty socket. If this does not work, put it in a little bit of milk and go to your dentist right away.

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.

If you require a filling in one or more of your teeth, choose wisely. Tooth-colored composite fillings are an attractive, discrete option. However, this type of filling also happens to be less durable than most metal fillings. Metal fillings are also a better option for larger areas. Remember, looks aren't everything!

Make sure to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. Usually a toothbrush should be replaced after three months. But you should replace it sooner if it becoming worn, falling apart or the bristles are bent out of shape. Some toothbrushes even come with color indicators that fade over time and let you know when it is time to be replaced.

When you are trying to take care of your teeth, look up natural remedies. A lot of the time, a natural remedy can help you to ease some issues without expensive treatments or chemicals. Talk to your dentist about natural remedies you are trying, in order to get an idea of whether they are right for you.

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 look at more info . Repeat this for every tooth.

Brush at least twice a day. You should focus on brushing before bed and after you eat. Neglecting to brush will leave bacteria on the teeth that can lead to the development of cavities.

Make sure to see the dentist at least twice every year. Even if you only have your teeth cleaned, the hygienist will note any developing problems and point them out to the dentist. It is much easier, and cheaper too, to have any small cavities fixed before they get any bigger.

Talk with your dentist about herpetiform canker sores instead of using store-bought medications. Antibiotic or antiviral medication may be required to treat canker sores that have become infected. Very rarely, a prednisone capsule or steroid rinse is prescribed.

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.

Avoid food and beverages that are high in acid unless you can brush immediately after consuming them. Drink soda, tea and coffee through a straw whenever possible to limit contact. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating citrus fruits, tomatoes and other acidic fruits.

If you require dental surgery, talk to your surgeon to find out exactly what procedures will be performed. Bacteria that normally resides in your mouth can enter the blood stream and cause a very specific and dangerous infection. Bacterial endocarditis causes an infection of the interior lining of the heart's surface. You will probably be prescribed antibiotics prevent this complication.

A bright smile takes more effort than just brushing your teeth. That's why this article has tried to show you the many ways you can have a great smile. Dental care is important, so make sure you use all the tips in this article to make sure you take good care of your teeth.