When asked, most people say that a person's smile is the first thing that they notice about someone that they have just met. Unfortunately, finding great dental care tips may be long and arduous. This article has the best advice for participating in proper dental care.

Brush your teeth both in the morning and in the evening. Take your time. Many people simply go through the motions quickly and don't do an efficient job. Try timing yourself to make sure that you get your teeth very clean. If you have to, sing the ABC song in your head, and don't stop brushing until the song is over.

Brush your teeth twice a week with baking soda. Use it just like you would toothpaste normally. Baking soda will help whiten your teeth over time. You can also use regular salt as a replacement. Just remember never to swallow either, otherwise your sodium levels might get higher than they should.

It is important that you get rid of your toothbrush about every two to three months. Eventually, the bristles on a toothbrush grow weak from over-useage. This prevents the toothbrush from actually cleaning your teeth and can actually cause damage to your gums. Also, if you're sick, get a new toothbrush once you are better.

If you are diagnosed with advanced gum disease, it's time to step up your hygiene routine. At this point, flossing once, twice or even three times daily is no longer sufficient to stimulate healing. Make an appointment with dental discount plans in ca a periodontist, who can prescribe a medicated mouthwash, toothpaste or prescription antibiotic. In the meantime, continue brushing and flossing frequently to keep things from becoming worse.

If you ever run out of your regular brand of toothpaste and need a quick fix, experts say it's okay to mix baking soda and water to hold you over. The bubbly concoction is actually as good as most major brands of commercial toothpaste. Simply wet your brush and dab the bristles in the baking soda and voila, your teeth are clean!

If you notice an increase in cavities, consider taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins contain many vitamins and minerals necessary for enamel production. Enamel is the outer layer that hardens your teeth and protects them. Your diet should include a variety of sources of calcium, which is the building block of healthy teeth.

Make sure you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. The more time you spend brushing, the cleaner they will be, so it's in your best interest to brush thoroughly. If you rush the job, you will miss a lot of debris that could cause cavities.

Sometimes in life we have to make decisions about our health. For example, we may want to eat right, but we don't have time for a healthy restaurant. Instead, we choose a salad at a fast-food joint. The same can be said of dental care - for example, mint floss is a great way to convince yourself to floss more often.

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