Many people avoid thinking about teeth until they have a problem. That is unfortunate, however. First impressions are formed when people see your smile. Keep reading to learn some ways that you can take care of your teeth and have a beautiful, white smile.
If you have questions for your dentist, write them down and bring them to your appointment. Once your cleaning and exam begin, it is hard to get a word in edgewise, especially with picks, pokers and mirrors in your mouth! Speak up beforehand, and a dental hygienist can answer your questions before your mouth is too full, or too sore to ask afterwards.
Fluoride can make significant strides in the maintenance of healthy, strong teeth. If your tap water is not fluoridated, the members of your household are at risk of developing tooth decay. You could for instance use some toothpaste that contains fluoride. Another choice is using a mouthwash with fluoride.
Brush your teeth both in the morning and in the evening. Take your time. Many people simply go through the motions quickly and don’t do an efficient job. Try timing yourself to make sure that you get your teeth very clean. If you have to, sing the ABC song in your head, and don’t stop brushing until the song is over.
Use fluoride, but not too much. Fluoride helps keep your teeth strong. It is especially helpful for children and teens. Too much fluoride, however, can damage teeth. If your city has fluoridated water, you may want to avoid fluoridated toothpaste. Ask your dentist to learn how to get the right amount of fluoride.
Nutrition is important to dental health. To help ensure that you are getting the necessary nutrients eat a well-balanced diet based on the USDA’s food pyramid. Your diet should consist of low-fat dairy products. This will help ensure that you are getting the necessary amounts of calcium. Calcium is one of the primary building blocks of healthy teeth.
Sticky foods are terrible for teeth, but that isn’t just sugary gums or candies. In fact, bananas carry a ton of sugar and will stick to your teeth, leading to problems. French fries carry the same hazard, plus they come with unhealthy fats and tons of sodium. Try to avoid both if you can’t brush right after eating.
A great tip when it comes to dental hygiene is to avoid extreme temperature changes. When you go from a particularly hot environment to a cold one (or visa versa) your teeth can become very sensitive and in some cases, you can damage the enamel. This also means you shouldn’t eat hot and cold foods together.
Ask your friends and family that you know nearby what dentist that they recommend. Word of mouth feedback and personal experiences are often the best indicator of the quality of work you can expect from local dentists. Check online reviews and community focused forums as well for other’s experiences.
If you get your water from a well, you may not be getting the necessary fluoride. To help ensure that you are getting the necessary fluoride for dental health use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. These products will help your teeth absorb the necessary fluoride to promote healthy teeth.
Are you fond of chewing ice? If so, eliminate this activity ASAP. It can damage your teeth and activate nerves. If you need to chew, choose sugarless gum. If you can’t resist, don’t put ice in your drinks.
If you have a young child, consider asking your dentist about fluoride treatments at their six month dental visits. Fluoride treatments provide a longer lasting coat of protection to each tooth, and this protection lasts much longer than traditional toothpaste. This can help to keep cavities away and keep your child’s teeth healthy.
You should brush after every meal. This may seem like a chore to many people, but it really will help you maintain optimum dental health. If you are not in a position to brush your teeth after a meal, chew a piece of sugar-free gum. The gum will remove some food particles and activate your saliva to reduce any bacteria formation.
When you are looking for a new dentist, try to find one that accepts your dental insurance. Going with an out of network provider can cost you a lot more money and it might make filing claims more difficult. Since you are already paying for your dental insurance, try to make the best use of it by finding an in network provider.
If you want lovely teeth, you need to avoid smoking. Your health in general, and the state of your teeth as a whole, are greatly affected by smoking. There are many methods that can be used to help you quit smoking. You will get support from your doctor as well when you wish to quit for your own safety.
Don’t put off going to the dentist if you have a problem. Go to the dentist when you have a cavity. If you don’t, it could worsen. In fact, it could lead to a much more painful root canal.
If you are extremely anxious or fearful about going to the dentist, consider finding a sedation dentist. These specialists use inhaled nitrous oxide, oral Valium and intravenous medication to help patients relax and avoid pain. Nitrous oxide is a popular option because it doesn’t involve the use of a needle and it wears off within five minutes.
Examine your diet if your teeth are stained. The things you drink may be causing you to get stained teeth. Some of the more harmful choices are red wine, dark colored juices, iced tea, coffee and dark colored soda. Eliminating these foods from your diet should make a real difference.
