The list of potential problems and complications that can result from poor dental care and dental hygiene really is astoundingly large. The best way to avoid the laundry list of problems is to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your teeth. The information discussed below provides a terrific baseline from which to assess your own dental care and habits.
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.
If your teeth are looking a little less than white these days, try not to stress out about it too much. There are many great products that you can purchase that really work to whiten your teeth. There are strips, pens, toothpaste and gums that can all help to lessen the staining.
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.
If you are having a hard time brushing your teeth efficiently, you should consider getting an electric toothbrush. These devices are very efficient and will allow you to clean your teeth thoroughly without having to brush vigorously. This is your best option if you have arthritis or if your children do not brush their teeth properly.
Eating when you're not hungry not only adds weight, but can also increase your risk of cavities. If you snack throughout the day, you expose your teeth to more cavity-causing bacteria, sugars and acid. Thus, you should eat only when you're hungry in order to protect your dental health.
After you've completely brushed your teeth, brush your tongue too. All sorts of built-up gunk can develop on your tongue, and this can cause everything from bad breath to gum disease. A clean mouth means every surface, so brush your teeth and tongue and then floss for the best hygiene.
Floss, floss, floss! Sure everyone brushes their teeth like they're supposed to, but how many of them actually floss. Flossing cleans the area between your teeth where food can get stuck and bacteria can spread. This will also prevent dental implants with bone loss the onset of possible infections that can occur if you don't floss.
Sugarless gum is a good way to clean your teeth if you cannot carry a toothbrush with you everywhere. Chew a piece of sugarless gum to clean your teeth after eating a small snack. Keep in mind that gum is not good for your teeth if it contains any kind of sugar.
If you're not comfortable with who your dentist is for whatever reason, try to get a different dentist in that building. You could also try going to different practices altogether. It is important that you like your dentist, otherwise you might not want to go to your appointments.
If your child will be receiving laughing gas at a dental appointment, make sure he or she does not eat for at least two hours before the appointment. Sometimes laughing gas can cause a bit of stomach upset. If the child has eaten recently, this can cause increased discomfort and even vomiting.
Make sure you take your children to the dentist at an early age. These initial visits will set the stage for the rest of their life, and you want them to view visiting the dentist as an important bi-yearly event. You can start taking your child to see the dentist when they have teeth, and their pediatrician should be able to make a referral to get the process started.
If you find that your mouth and lips are dry a lot, tell your dentist about it. If you are taking medications, they may be the cause. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether your medications are causing your dry mouth, and can help you determine how you can treat it.
Flossing is important like brushing, so be certain you are flossing twice a day, following brushing. Hold the floss tightly between your fingers to begin with, or try a tool for flossing. Go up and down in between your teeth to remove food and plaque.
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.
If you have a serious fear of the dentist and conventional methods won't work, you might want to consider taking some sort of medication. Your dentist can give you anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide which will make the entire dentist visit a whole lot easier. Just make sure that you don't have any adverse reactions to the medications.
If you suffer from jaw pain and headaches, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, talk with your dentist. He may be able to offer you a bite guard. A bite guard is made of soft plastic that is custom fitted for your mouth.
If you're a jaw clencher when you're stressed, you could harm your teeth. When you do this, you are putting your teeth under pressure and these can weaken over time. Learn to recognize when you are clenching your jaw and work to stop the habit.
Increase the number of dairy products you eat. Not only do dairy products include calcium, which keeps your teeth strong, but they can also freshen breath and help keep your teeth white. Most people enjoy milk and cheese, but don't forget about yogurt as well. These foods are also a source of protein, so you can help your body as well as your teeth.
Make your dentist, orthodontist, and periodontist proud by taking your oral hygiene regimen to the next level. Although it is undeniably empowering to have an attractive smile, you must remember that dental health goes beyond cosmetic matters. With the insights from this article, you can work toward healthier teeth and gums.
