The first people noticed in a crowded room are those with the brightest smiles. If for whatever reason, you’re teeth have looked a bit stained lately, have no fear! The following article is full of helpful tips and tricks to get your teeth looking brighter than they ever were before.

A toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. If your toothbrush’s bristles tend to become frayed before the three to four months, you will need to replace your brush sooner. As soon as you notice the bristles fraying, you should discontinue use and go purchase a new toothbrush.

Only use mouthwash free of alcohol. Alcohol as an ingredient can dry out the tissues in your mouth. This creates a breeding ground for the very bacteria you are hoping to avoid. Alcohol-free mouthwash is also less of a temptation for kids and teenagers looking to experiment with when bored.

Saliva plays an important part in keeping your mouth clean. If your mouth always feel dry, you need to hydrate more regularly and use antibacterial rinses to make up for the lack of saliva. If you take any medication, look up a list of side effects to find out if your medication could be causing your mouth to be dry.

Flossing is not difficult, but many people have a hard time doing it. Ask your dentist to demonstrate for you on a model of the mouth and to allow you to practice on that same model. You can also floss in front of the mirror in your dentist’s presence so that you can learn how to floss properly.

A toothache has been said to be right up there, if not worse than labor pains. For this reason, it is important to address a toothache at the very first sign of pain. Don’t assume that the pain will just pass. Get it checked out to make sure there is not something more serious going on like an abscess, which can turn serious rather quickly.

Prior to selecting a dentist, make sure you understand what your health benefits are. Some plans will only cover certain dentists, and it is important to do your research to find out who you can and can’t go to. You may wind up saving quite a bit of money as a result.

If your young child is swallowing a lot of toothpaste, consider switching to a toothpaste without fluoride. Fluorideis quite beneficial in keeping teeth healthy, but it can be dangerous if you injest a large amount. A young child does need to brush daily, but sometimes using a non-fluoride toothpaste in the earliest stages of brusing can be beneficial.

Make sure to visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months. Bi-annual cleanings are necessary to keep plaque under control and spot any problems before they become severe. If you have dental insurance, your cleaning visits will usually be covered at 100 percent. Keeping these appointments will save you money and headaches in the long run.

Don’t forget to floss. A lot of people don’t take the time to floss twice a day, but it really helps. You cannot reach all of the food and bacteria with your toothbrush. Flossing can help you to get in between all of your teeth, which means that you will have less cavities.

The key to a great smile is bright shiny teeth. With a nice set of pearly whites, you’ll be much more appealing to people you meet, and it will do wonders for your confidence. Make sure to implement the advice given in this article and you are sure to have great looking teeth in no time.