Getting proper dental care each day can be chore when you lead a busy life, but it doesn’t have to be that way when you understand what to do. If you’re like most people who would like to have a brighter smile, then you will want to read the following article that is packed with great dental care tips. Keep reading for these tips.

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.

It is important to brush your teeth and floss twice a day, but do not hesitate to brush more than twice if you need to, for instance, if you snack. After any consumption of sugary foods, you should brush your teeth in order to prevent cavities and to protect the enamel on your teeth.

Teach your kids proper dental habits from the beginning. When your children get their first teeth in, brush the teeth for them. Once your child is old enough, teach him how to brush teeth on his own. Get a big timer and put 2 minutes on it for your child to make sure he is brushing for long enough, and take him to his first dental appointment when he turns three.

If you have gum inflammation or you are susceptible to it, it is important that you avoid hot foods and drinks. These foods and beverages only cause gum inflammation and irritate problems you already have. If this is a problem for you, stick to either cool or warm foods and beverages.

Home whitening kits are a great short-term fix for lightly stained teeth. However, many people report burning and increased sensitivity caused by the gel uses in the kits. If oral sensitivity is turning you off of home whitening, use a fluoride gel immediately before and after you apply the whitening product. Your teeth will be noticeably less sensitive.

Brush your tongue. Your tongue needs attention just like your teeth and gums do. Use your toothbrush and brush your tongue just like you brush your teeth. Not only is this good for your dental health, but it can help with any bad breath you may be experiencing, too.

Keep your toothbrush as clean as can be. Otherwise, you may be attracting bacteria to the bristles that then infect your mouth! Wash the bristles after every brushing, and stand your toothbrush upright so that any additional water drains down the brush. Be sure to replace your brush every few months even when you clean it well.

Don’t settle for using just any toothpaste. This is when it’s time to buy expensive. Buy a product that has baking soda or a whitening formula and one that fights against tartar and plaque. If need be, get a recommendation from your dentist, and this will make your mouth feel instantly better.

Change out a regular toothbrush often. If you use an electric brush, frequent head rotation is important. By using your toothbrush all the time for too long you may end up getting bacteria in your brush which then goes to your mouth. Most dentist will recommend you change your toothbrush at least every two to three months.

Flossing should be an important part of your daily dental plan. Floss at least once daily. For best results, floss before bedtime. Flossing helps remove food particles before brushing your teeth. Never use a sawing motion when flossing. Instead gently move the floss up and down between each tooth.

Be sure to get any chips or cracks in your teeth as soon as possible. When you have a cracked or chipped tooth, you are giving germs and bacteria a great place to hide. Obviously, when you have these problems fixed, bacteria and germs have nowhere to go. Fluoride mouthwash can also help.

As stated in the above article, proper dental care begins with the right knowledge and education on how to take care of your teeth. You can have a cleaner mouth, but it begins by following the simple tips in this article. Stick with it, and soon you will have that shiny white smile.