To have the healthiest teeth and brightest smile takes some effort and dedication. Your teeth are often the first thing people notice and give an indication of your overall health. White, straight teeth give the appearance of youth and vigor. Read these tips to keep your teeth in the best condition possible.

You should brush shortly after each meal. The longer food particles remain in your mouth, the higher the risk of damage. By brushing within 30 minutes of eating, you can reduce the amount of plaque build-up on your teeth. This can prevent future toothaches.

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.

Brush, brush, brush to avoid plaque. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that coats your teeth. It is transparent. Plaque buildup causes cavities. You can remove plaque by brushing your teeth often. Ideally, you can brush your teeth after each meal. At the very least, brush morning and night.

Strengthen your existing enamel with the foods that you eat. Certain vitamins and the mineral calcium, in particular, all help out with this. Foods that are good to accomplish this with include nuts, meats and dairy choices. Avoid sugary foods, soft drinks and sweetened teas, as these will do immediate damage to your enamel.

Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes. It is important that you clean each and every tooth the best that you possibly can. Don’t damage your gums and teeth with harsh brushing. If it hurts your gums, get a softer toothbrush.

Cleaning the area between the tooth and the gum is simple when you tilt your brush 45 degrees to ensure the bristles get beneath the gum itself. This is as important to do to keep dental health high as flossing in the same area of your mouth, so make a point of it.

If you’ve just had a meal but don’t have access to water, a brush and toothpaste, pop in a stick of sugar-free gum. Dentist recommended this as an adequate substitute until you can brush your teeth properly. Chewing gum will also help remove bits of food that may be lodged between teeth.

Replace your toothbrush once every two or three months to prevent bacteria from developing. Your best bet is to choose a soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush. Harder brushes could potentially erode the enamel or cause your gums to bleed. Get the highest of quality with a name brand product.

If your kid hasn’t been to a dentist before or if they’re anxious about it, try playing dentist one day. Make-believe your child is the patient while you assume the role of dentist. Count your child’s teeth with a toothbrush. After you are done, let your child be the dentist as well! If you aren’t comfortable allowing them to look into your mouth, use a stuffed animal as the patient.

Eat foods that will actually help clean your teeth. These are foods that are typically crisp and firm. WHen you bite into them, they massage your teeth and gums, removing bacteria and dental plaque in the process. Some foods to consider are apples, popcorn, and celery. Many raw vegetables will fit the bill here.

Use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash in the morning. This is an excellent way for you to get fresh breath, but more than that, apple cider vinegar can also get rid of stains on your teeth and make your teeth appear brighter. Apple cider vinegar is very inexpensive, so this is a wonderful tool in your dental care.

The newest thing in candy is sour flavored candies. But these candies contain a high level of acid and sugar which is a perfect combination to erode the enamel and cause cavities. You should avoid such candies if you can, but if you or your children eat them, then rinse your mouth afterwards.

After each feeding session with your baby, use a damp cloth to gently clean the gums. This will help remove the sugars left behind by milk from the gums. They can cause plaque if left behind. Wiping this away will help establish good dental care quite early.

Your teeth are not the only thing you need to take care of for overall health, but if they do not look good, you do not look good. With proper care, your teeth can look good throughout your life. Treat them well and you’ll look younger than your years. Be proud of your pearly whites.

Get Healthier Teeth With These Great Dental Care Tips was originally published on Spring