Taking care of your teeth should be one of your top priorities. You should also learn about potential problems that poor hygiene can lead to. The following information will help you with that.

See your dentist at least once a year. A dentist can catch problems that you may not notice, and can x-ray your teeth to catch any cavities early. Your dentist can also recommend toothpastes and mouthwashes that you can use to care for your mouth while you are at home, too.

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. If you do not floss after every meal, bacteria will build up between your teeth and damage them. Take a few minutes to floss after you eat, and you will notice a difference. Your teeth will look whiter after a few months of flossing on a regular
basis.

Eat as many citrus fruits as possible to keep your teeth healthy. Vitamin C helps your teeth stay strong, so you are less likely to have tooth decay if you eat plenty of oranges, lemons limes and other citrus fruits each day. However, sucking oranges or lemons can put your teeth in contact with acid that contributes to decay.

What kind of toothpaste do you use? It is best to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you have issues with cavities, choose a toothpaste designed to reduce your risks of developing cavities. You can also choose a product designed for people with sensitive gums if this is your case.

Visit your dentist a couple of times every year, or just go when they recommend that you do. Regular dentist visits will help prevent serious dental issues in the future. You will also be able to develop a relationship with your dentist. That will come in handy if you have to have serious work completed one day.

If you suffer from bad breath, there may be an underlying medical condition. To ensure that your bad breath is not from an underlying medical condition visit your dentist and primary care physician. If after finding you have no underlying medical conditions you still have bad breath, consider using a mouthwash after brushing and using breath mints or chewing gum in between brushing your teeth.

Floss, floss, floss! Sure everyone brushes their teeth like they're supposed to, but how many of them actually floss. Flossing cleans the area between your teeth where food can get stuck and bacteria can spread. This will also prevent the onset of possible infections that can occur if you don't floss.

Smoking has devastating effects on your teeth and gums. If there are no effects to date, just do a little research online to see what you should expect. Quitting as soon as possible is the best choice for your health. Visit your doctor for some tips on how to quit.

Taking care of your mouth can keep it healthy. Learn everything you can about oral hygiene. You won't have to worry as much about your teeth by using the above advice.