You should always be doing everything you can in order to take proper care of your teeth. They are one of the first things that people notice about you. Sure, you go to the dentist, but what are you doing at home for maintenance? Keep reading to find out some great advice.

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.

Choose the correct toothbrush. There are different toothbrushes for children and adults, and it is important to choose the correct type. Also, be sure that the bristles aren’t too hard. If the brush has an ADA seal on the box, it has been tested to ensure that the bristles won’t damage your gums.

Regular brushing of your teeth is vital to good dental care. A good rule of thumb is to brush after every meal. You should brush your teeth for about 3 minutes and make sure you get all the surfaces of your teeth. Don’t brush too hard, and use a fluoride toothpaste. Floss between teeth after you brush, for best results.

A healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to make sure your teeth stay health. Avoiding sugary drinks and foods is important to avoid harming the enamel of your teeth. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best choice when it comes to promoting healthy teeth and gums.

Most people know that fast food hamburgers aren’t good for you, but did you know they can affect your teeth? The hamburger bun contains sugars, which can increase the risk of cavities, and most fast food burgers contain ketchup, which also has a lot of added sugar. Keep fast food consumption to a minimum and brush your teeth right after eating a hamburger.

Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well as your teeth. Your tongue is prime spot for germs and bacteria to develop. Not only does this cause rancid breath, but it may also actually be detrimental to your health.

There are many food that you can add to your diet to give your teeth the best possible chance to stay healthy and strong. Foods high in vitamin C and vitamin A, such as oranges and carrots, help teeth stay strong. Onions, eaten raw, fight the bacteria that can promote decay. Don’t forget to drink lots of water. It can help rinse away bacteria that can harm your teeth.

Certain habits can keep you from having pearly white teeth. If you drink red wine, coffee, dark tea, dark juices or colas, don’t be surprised if you have stained teeth. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if a liquid is dark, it will probably darken your teeth. One way to minimize staining of your teeth is to brush them immediately after drinking these dark beverages. If you are at a location where it is not feasible for you to immediately brush, eating an apple can help you clean your teeth until you can brush them properly.

If you think your teeth need to be whitened, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will advise you on how to brush and floss your teeth efficiently and recommend some products you can use. In some cases, having your teeth cleaned by your dentist will be enough to make them look whiter.

To help protect your children from swallowing too much toothpaste supervise their brushing. Use only a small amount of toothpaste. Dentists generally recommend using a small pea sized amount of toothpaste for children under six years old to help protect their health. During your child’s tooth brushing routine, explain the importance of brushing each tooth properly.

You should now be able to confidently say that you’re going to be able to take better care of your teeth in between dental visits. Your dentist will be happy to see you next time with good news that he or she can tell you’ve changed your practices when it comes to your teeth. Be happy with the positive changes you’re about to make.