Dental care is an often neglected, but necessary, obligation. If you do not take proper care of your teeth, it leads to much worse complications. Tooth decay, plaque, gum disease and even heart disease are complications of poorly cared-for teeth. Follow the tips below to keep these illnesses at bay.
Choose a well made toothbrush and don’t forget to change it often. The best toothbrushes are ones that are soft and gentle to your gums. You have to get a softer toothbrush if your gums bleed when you brush. Bacteria grows on your toothbrush, so it is important to change your toothbrush out every three months.
Do not let unknown discomfort go unattended. There are various reasons you may feel discomfort in your teeth or jaw. You could be experiencing the cutting of a wisdom tooth or you may have developed an infection. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications. It is better to know it is minor, than to ignore it until it is major.
Children often feel frightened of the dentist. Talk with your little one prior to going, and tell him or her that their dentist is going to make sure their teeth are healthy. Picking out a good pediatric dentist that allows kids to play in the waiting room, as well as things like how they decorate the exam rooms, can make children more comfortable.
Consider asking your regular dentist about dental sealants. Sometimes brushing just isn’t enough. A dental sealant is a protective coating that goes over the portions of your teeth used to chew food. These are often put over back molars and can be very helpful in the prevention of tooth decay.
If you’ve just had a meal but don’t have access to water, a brush and toothpaste, pop in a stick of sugar-free gum. Dentist recommended this as an adequate substitute until you can brush your teeth properly. Chewing gum will also help remove bits of food that may be lodged between teeth.
Keep your toothbrush as clean as can be. Otherwise, you may be attracting bacteria to the bristles that then infect your mouth! Wash the bristles after every brushing, and stand your toothbrush upright so that any additional water drains down the brush. Be sure to replace your brush every few months even when you clean it well.
There are several natural ways to whiten your teeth, so do not believe that spending a ton on whitening agents is your only option. Eating crunchy foods like celery, apples and carrots is a good way to naturally lift stains from teeth without the threat of damaging the enamel on them.
When you wake up, brush your teeth to get rid of all the accumulated debris from sleeping and breathing through your mouth, leaving dried saliva behind. The next time to brush is just before bed, cleaning out everything you’ve eaten throughout the day and cleaning your mouth for the overnight hours.
Everyone wants to have a bright, white, healthy smile, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to achieve. Quitting smoking is one great stay. Another is to skip drinking coffee and red wine. The next step is to try home whitening. If that doesn’t work, consider asking your dentist for a quote on their services.
Do a home teeth whitening treatment. There are a few ways to do this, but the most popular way is to rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide for a few days. Because this can damage your enamel, you should not do it too often, but it can certainly brighten your smile without too much cost.
Bleeding gums are a sign that something is wrong. Your gums should never bleed when you brush your teeth. If you experience bleeding gums, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist. The number one cause for bleeding gums is periodontal disease. The dentist will prescribe a treatment plan.
Use mouthwash after you brush. Mouthwash contains anti-bacterial properties that help prevent the build-up of plaque. After you brush, swish a mouthful of mouthwash around your mouth to rinse your teeth and gums. You can also use mouthwash in the morning after you get up to eliminate your morning breath.
Make sure that you clean your tongue. Many people neglect this important step, but if you don’t keep your tongue clean, it will just collect bacteria. This bacteria tends to be the main culprit of bad breath. Try using a tongue scraper every day to remove plaque and to freshen breath. The scraper is more effective at getting the tongue clean than a toothbrush.
There are many complications that can happen when you do not take proper care of your teeth. The complications can range from painful to fatal, so it is important to follow proper dental care procedures. Follow the tips listed above to take great care of your teeth and gums.
