Nobody wants a smile that has rotten or missing teeth. It can be painful and unsightly. But you can avoid most dental problems with proper care and dedication to a dental hygiene regimen. Use the following suggestions, and you will be able to have a beautiful, healthy smile.

Fluoride is your best source for a healthy smile. If you don’t have fluoride in the water at your home, then you and the people you live with may be more likely to get tooth decay. One thing you should do is to be sure that fluoride is in your toothpaste. There are also fluoride rinses available.

To get teeth that are very clean, make sure you use a toothbrush that has soft bristles as well as one that fits your mouth. Always allow your toothbrush to air dry after each use in order to prevent the growth of bacteria. Your toothbrush should be stored in a location that contains lots of space so that air can circulate.

Every six months, you should be going to the dentist. When you get on a regular schedule, you’ll be able to keep a lot of bad issues from occurring. It’ll ensure you have clean, white teeth you can be proud of.

Medicine can be the cause of your bad breath or cotton mouth. You may not realize it, but if your medication affects the amount of saliva you produce, it will damage your teeth and gums. Speak with your doctor to determine if your medication is behind your chronic dry mouth. In some cases, your doctor might deign to change your medications. If this isn’t the case, you can receive alternative treatments from your dentist.

Your teeth can make you look older. If you have a crooked smile, missing teeth or yellow ones, you may want to visit a restorative dentistry specialist. Bad teeth can make you look older. Make yourself look better by getting your teeth fixed.

If you’re old enough to start wearing some lipstick, you should use it to hide what color your teeth are. Light red or medium coral shades can make your teeth look white. The opposite effect happens with lighter lipstick. They can make your teeth seem yellow even if they are white!

You can use a special mouthwash or tablet to help you determine if you are getting your teeth clean when you brush them. Prior to brushing, use your product according to its instructions. Your problem areas will show up, stained blue or pink. But make sure that you leave yourself ample time to brush all of the product off before you venture outside. If you are in a hurry, they are not a smart idea!

Use only a soft or medium bristled toothbrush, never hard. Hard bristles can cause gum recession, which can expose delicate root structures of the tooth. Teeth can also be worn down. Use soft or medium brushes in order to avoid developing sensitive teeth and gums.

Do extreme temperature effect your teeth? Buy toothpaste that is specially made for sensitive teeth, then make a dentist appointment right away. Your sensitivity could be a symptom of a nerve inflammation or even a cavity. These problems resolve best if they are treated early.

There is nothing like having dental problems when it comes to destroying your confidence. It can be painful and ugly. Make sure that doesn’t happen to you by keeping better care of your teeth. So use these tips to start a proper dental regimen today.