It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to taking care of your mouth and the many products and choices there are available. It’s essential that you learn some things to help make your decisions easier and your experience much more pleasant. Keep reading to find out how you can do just that.
Always brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes. You simply aren’t going to reach all the nooks and crannies within your mouth where plaque loves to hide. Make sure you give yourself enough time each morning and night to thoroughly crush your teeth properly so as to avoid any plaque buildup.
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.
When tooth enamel becomes weak, cavities result. Bacteria causes this weakening, and the end result is a cavity. To help improve your dental health, visit a dentist twice a year. In addition, your dentist will do regular x-rays on your teeth to check for cavities, so you can be aware of any that may form.
Eat as many citrus fruits as possible to keep your teeth healthy. Vitamin C helps your teeth stay strong, so you are less likely to have tooth decay if you eat plenty of oranges, lemons limes and other citrus fruits each day. However, sucking oranges or lemons can put your teeth in contact with acid that contributes to decay.
Sometimes you need to brush your teeth more often than twice a day. You can efficiently prevent tooth decay from appearing if you brush your teeth anytime you eat snacks rich in sugar or drink some soda.
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.
Your toothbrush should be kept clean. It is important to always rinse out your toothbrush thoroughly, and allow it to air dry. Put it in a holder where the brush can dry without touching anything. Don’t store a toothbrush inside any container, either. Buy a new toothbrush every few months.
Get a tongue scraper and use it every morning. This will clean your tongue and help remove bacteria. Your tongue will feel better and your mouth will not smell so bad. A tongue scraper is more effective than brushing your tongue with your tooth brush, and takes less time too.
Avoid snacking on carbs if possible. Potato chips and other salty snacks will not be easy to remove from your teeth. If you need to have a snack, choose some fruits or another healthy food. Clean your teeth immediately afterward if you can, or plan on spending more time flossing later.
No one ever said taking care of your teeth was easy, but you definitely can simplify the process using the selected tips you’ve just read. Continue to learn more, and make your dentist proud next time you pay him or her a visit. You will surely impress with the new knowledge you’ve just attained.
