In order to maintain healthy teeth one must put some effort into dental care. This article will provide you information about proper dental hygiene.  Your teeth are very important for many aspects of your life, so it is recommended that you take care of your mouth.

For starters it is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush appropriately sized for your mouth, for best results in brushing your teeth.  When done allow your toothbrush to air dry after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria.  An upright position with plenty of space will allow the air to circulate and increase drying speed.

If you are over 50 years, try to limit the amount of mouthwash you use that may contain alcohol.  As you get older, a person’s teeth and gums become more sensitive, and this can make alcohol based mouthwashes painful to use. Therefore, it is recommended that you should use an alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride and try to use it at least two times a day.

Avoid eating too many foods that may contain sugars and acids. Sugary and acidic foods will harm your teeth by destroying enamel.  If you do intake sugary or acidic foods it is recommended that you drink lots of water and eat other foods non-sugar and non-acidic foods as well to mitigate the effects.  Even though in the best scenario you should brush your teeth soon after you finish ingesting harmful foods in order to limit the damage that might be occurring to your teeth.

There is a higher probability that will get cavities if the enamel on your teeth is damaged.  This breakdown of enamel will allow bacteria from food debris to eat through the teeth, which will cause cavities. Having regular cleanings at least every six months in addition to good brushing habits can help prevent cavities from ever forming.  During an office visit your dentist will check for any hidden dental problems with an x-ray.

While you already may know that it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, sometimes that isn’t even enough.  Consuming foods and beverages that may contain high sugar or acid levels, will always require you to brush your teeth to prevent the possible enamel wear and tooth decay.

A myth is that the brushing of your teeth is all that you need to do in order to make sure your mouth stay healthy. However, you must also regularly floss and use an effective mouthwash.  A good mouthwash will kill any remaining germs that were missed while brushing, and using dental floss removes remaining food particles and plaque buildup from between your teeth.

If you feel like you want a sparkling smile, you need to have healthy teeth and gums. Use the so that you can enhance your habits to create the best smile possible. Even though the trouble of maintaining good teeth may seem troublesome, you are creating and maintaining a healthy smile.