Content by-Bond MacDonald

Your smile is the first thing people see when they meet you and it can be a factor is every new acquaintance's first impression of you. It is important to take care of your teeth to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Keep reading to find helpful tips and advice for keeping your smile looking its best so you can make a great first impression.

When you start noticing a cavity forming, or any tooth pain, you should call a dentist as soon as possible. This is because once this starts happening, you could lose the tooth. You could also end up spending tons of money getting it replaced. Take care of your teeth regularly and find a dentist in your area.

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.







Don't assume that just because oranges and orange juice are touted as healthy for your body that they are healthy for your mouth. The acidic nature of this and related foods start wearing down on your enamel immediately. You can have them, but brush immediately after consuming anything involving heavy concentrations of oranges.

To maintain dental health, do not neglect proper flossing. If the floss you are currently using is too thin to adequately get between your teeth, try switching to a thicker kind, such as dental tape. Alternatively, you try doubling the strand of floss in order to achieve the desired thickness.

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.

Ask your dentist about a sealant for your child if cavities are a problem. The sealant is brushed onto the teeth individually in a clear coat. The coating is permanent and helps children with weak enamel avoid cavities. This can be done inside the dental office, and there's no need for them to be sedated.

If you find yourself slacking when it comes to spending quality time with your toothbrush, get an egg-timer. They are cheap and easy to use and will mark the time you devote to better dental care. Experts say you need to spend at least three minutes brushing, two times a day!

Beware of temperature changes. Large and sudden changes in temperature can cause sensitivity and weaken your enamel. There isn't much that you can do about the weather outside your door. Read the Full Write-up can, however, monitor what you are eating. Avoid eating and drinking cold and hot beverages and foods together.

There are literally hundreds of products available to take care of your stained teeth. Check your store's dental care section. Find a product you like so you are more apt to continue using it. Each product has different directions so make sure to follow them to the letter.

Sometimes in life we have to make decisions about our health. For example, we may want to eat right, but we don't have time for a healthy restaurant. Instead, we choose a salad at a fast-food joint. The same can be said of dental care - for example, mint floss is a great way to convince yourself to floss more often.

Encourage young children to brush longer by getting them fun toothbrushes. There are brushes that flash a little light with a press of a button. Have your child brush until the light automatically goes off, usually after about two minutes. This is a fun timer for your child to use while brushing.

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.

Make time to clean your tongue every time that you brush your teeth. Your tongue can hold a lot of germs and needs to be kept as clean as possible. A clean tongue also promotes fresh breath. If you want to do everything you can to have a healthy mouth you will follow this tip regularly.

When flossing, gently slide the floss up and down the sides of BOTH teeth. Also, slip it beneath the gums and slide it back and forth to clear out any gunk. There are also brushes you can use which slip between the teeth and clear out anything left behind if floss doesn't do a good enough job.

Teeth whitening products can work, but sometimes they cause more trouble than they're worth. They can weaken enamel and leave your teeth in a condition where they can easily break or develop cavities. It's best to talk to your dentist about teeth whitening choices which they recommend for your needs.

Make a commitment to dental care a family experience. It's not only you that can benefit from proper dental care. Your entire family can take their health to a whole new level here. Talk about dental care and challenge each other to follow through. Even brush Read This method as a way to get into the habit!

Eat foods that help keep your teeth clean. Those that are crisp or firm can help clean your teeth when you eat them. Apples are the mots popular choice. There are other foods that can keep teeth clean, such as popcorn, raw carrots, and celery. For the best results, eat these foods last if you know that you can't brush your teeth right after you eat.

Do not forget to floss before brushing to remove food particles that may be trapped between the teeth. If you have a hard time with regular dental floss, try a package of the handy dental picks that have floss built in. These little devices make it easier to reach awkward spaces in the back of your mouth.

Now that you know more about dental care, it is time to start putting this advice to the test. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine so that you can have a bright, white smile for years to come. With this advice, you can look forward to visiting the dentist again.