Dental care is an often neglected, but necessary, obligation. If you do not take proper care of your teeth, it leads to much worse complications. Tooth decay, plaque, gum disease and even heart disease are complications of poorly cared-for teeth. Follow the tips below to keep these illnesses at bay.

Try toothpastes that fit your own preferences for the most comfort. However, before switching toothpaste, visit your dentist. Sometimes there is an underlying problem causing the sensitivity such as an exposed root that should be treated immediately.

Change your toothbrush every eight weeks. Keeping one longer than this is just introducing bacteria to your mouth, which is contrary to the purpose of brushing. If you have a toothbrush with a removal head, just change the head every two months. Anything used in your mouth longer than this is risky.

Did you just break your tooth? The first thing that you need to do is get in touch with your dentist. After you get in touch with them, rinse your mouth out with warm water. Then use a cold compress on the area to reduce the swelling and decrease any pain.

If you feel that you aren’t getting ready of all plaque, use a special tablet. Before you start brushing, swish or chew the product. Plaque and debris will be highlighted noticeably in blue or pink. Keep in mind, however, that these products must be thoroughly brushed away after use. Don’t do this when you’re rushing to get to work in the morning.

Use a small amount of toothpaste when you brush. While it may seem like more toothpaste would clean teeth better, it will not. The phrase, “less is more” works best when brushing your teeth. All you need is a pea-sized amount of toothpaste in the middle of your toothbrush for optimal cleaning.

Think about switching up to an electronic toothbrush if you have not already. These devices are increasingly recommended by dental professionals. The reason for this is the strong performance they offer compared to manual brushing. Electric toothbrushes are able to cup around teeth and work faster. They also do a better job of cleaning the specific sites that bacteria and plaque tend to accumulate in.

The heads of electric toothbrushes should be replace every 8 weeks. The bristles can become too soft and therefore ineffective at cleaning your teeth. In addition to this, your tooth brush can also harbor a great deal of bacteria, which grows in between each use. When you think about this, it is easy to see why you need to change it often.

You should replace your toothbrush every three months. As you use a toothbrush, the bristles wear out. When the bristles become worn, your toothbrush can harm your gums. This can cause your gums to begin bleeding. For best results, choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.

You must floss after you brush. Flossing gets rid of the residual food particles between your teeth and gums that can calcify if they remain between your teeth. This is how tartar develops. By flossing daily, you prevent plaque build-up that can create problems for you if it is left on your teeth.

Don’t forget to clean your tongue too. There can be a lot of plaque on that tongue, making it a major cause of bad breath. Brushing it at the same time as your teeth is the way to go. Spend 20 to 30 seconds brushing back and forth on your tongue.

There are many complications that can happen when you do not take proper care of your teeth. The complications can range from painful to fatal, so it is important to follow proper dental care procedures. Follow the tips listed above to take great care of your teeth and gums.