Tips For Proper Oral Hygiene

Many people think taking care of their teeth means brushing them before bedtime and going to the dentist when they think they have a problem. If you are unaware of all the ways you should be taking care of your teeth, you want to educate yourself so you can avoid teeth problems, including cavities and periodontal disease. Follow the tips below to know you're taking proper care of your teeth.

 Realize it's never too late

You may have been neglecting your teeth your whole life. However, you still want to start taking proper care of them now to offset additional problems. The sooner you start following food dental hygiene habits, the better off your teeth will be now and in the future.

Use fluoride without overdoing it

Fluoride is important for your teeth and you want to make sure the dental products you are using contain fluoride. Also, you need to understand that too much fluoride can cause you to develop white spots on your teeth. These white spots will be so white they will stand out and be noticeable when you talk or smile. You should brush and rinse with fluoridated products, but you shouldn't add in supplements unless your dentist has recommended it.

Brush and floss daily

You want to be sure you brush your teeth twice a day, more if you have eaten something that contains a high amount of sugar or acids, such as candy or a lemon. You want to use a firm toothbrush, unless you have sensitive gums and then you'll want to use a soft one. You should replace your toothbrush every few months.

Keep your teeth free of build-up

You should rinse your mouth out good with water after every meal. This will help to remove any food stuck on your teeth that can lead to a build-up of plaque. You also want to floss after you eat to remove food that gets caught in-between your teeth.

Watch what you eat

You want to try to avoid eating foods that can damage your teeth. A few examples of some foods known to be bad for your teeth include foods high in sugar, hard foods that can chip your teeth and foods high in acid that can lead to the breakdown of your enamel.

Visit your dentist regularly

Each time you go to a dentist (such as Family Dental Center TriCities, PC), they will tell you when they want you to come back. Mark the date in your calendar and make sure you don't miss any dental appointments.