Oral Surgery Stafford, VA

There is a lot more to proper dental hygiene than just brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist. These are important, of course, but they are just a starting point. If you really want to keep your teeth strong and healthy, you need to use the advanced tips found in this article. Don't put off going to the dentist. If you wait until your teeth are bothering you to go, you may have a lot of cavities or other serious dental problems that could have been prevented with routine maintenance. You should visit your dentist at least once every six months for routine checkups. Check out this Oral Surgeon in Stafford, VA

What kind of toothpaste do you use? It is best to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you have issues with cavities, choose a toothpaste designed to reduce your risks of developing cavities. You can also choose a product designed for people with sensitive gums if this is your case. Visit your dentist twice a year. Regular dentist visits can protect your teeth from many serious problems. Frequent visits will prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque buildup. 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.

As important as it is to have healthy gums and teeth, it's equally important for your tongue to be healthy. Utilize a tongue scraper every time you brush your teeth. These tools aren't expensive and can help you to get rid of excess bacterial that could be on your tongue. If you choose, you can also use your toothbrush instead of the scraper. Make sure that your teeth hold up throughout your entire life by staying away from cigarettes. Smoking can make your teeth yellow and can cause plaque buildup. They also can cause oral cancers and gum disease. Quit smoking to make sure that you have the healthiest teeth and gums.

Your bad breath could be the symptom of gum disease. If brushing your tongue and using mouth wash is not enough to make your bad breath go away, you need to go to your dentist and have your gums inspected. The bacteria that develop in your gum could be responsible for your bad breath. If your gums bleed easily, don't just put up with it--see your dentist right away! Bloody, sensitive gums can be an indication of a gum infection that requires antibiotics. Infections can spread to the teeth or to other parts of the body, so you want to get them taken care of as soon as possible.

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. You can, however, monitor what you are eating. Avoid eating and drinking cold and hot beverages and foods together. If you have just consumed something acidic, do not brush your teeth for a minimum of one hour after you are done. The acidic foods soften your teeth enamel. While your enamel is soft, you may damage your teeth by brushing before your enamel hardens.

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. Opt for a mouthwash that contains fluoride. A fluoride mouthwash bathes your teeth in fluoride helping to prevent cavities. When you use the mouthwash swish it around your mouth allowing the mouthwash to flow between each tooth. Continue this swishing motion for at least a minute for best results.

Always thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after using it because the germs that you just removed from your mouth will be on the toothbrush. By rinsing it off, you will remove the germs and the remnants of old toothpaste which can build up. Follow up the rinse by tapping the toothbrush on the edge of the sink to shake excess water off of it.

Remember to floss. Flossing is one of the dental habits people have the most difficulty with. According to research, fewer than one fourth of people floss every day. Often it is because they do not see the benefits immediately and they find it difficult to reach all their teeth. There are products, like flossing sticks, which make flossing less of a chore. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle with fruit juice or milk. Doing so can cause tooth decay. If you must put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it with plain water. In addition to protecting your baby's teeth, giving your baby a bottle of water at bedtime will help wean them off of the bottle.

To keep your teeth as healthy as possible, keep a small toothbrush or vial of mouthwash with you throughout the day. If you eat or drink something that is especially sugary, take a minute to run into the bathroom and clean your teeth. This keeps the sugar from eating away at your teeth and forming cavities. Avoid scrubbing too hard when you use your toothbrush. You might be tempted to push on the toothbrush to clean your teeth more efficiently but you might actually damage your teeth by doing so. Try holding your toothbrush like a pencil so you can reduce the pressure on your teeth.

After reading this article, you should realize that there is a lot more to proper dental hygiene than you ever realized. By arming yourself with this advice, you can make sure that your teeth stay in good shape for years to come. Incorporate this advice into your daily dental care routine for the best results.