Society places great importance on the appearance of one's smile. Many people work hard to obtain whiter and brighter teeth. A person's smile is often the primary characteristic noticed in first impressions. Therefore, caring for your teeth and taking part in good dental health practices should be an essential part of personal hygiene. There are a variety of dental health tips that one can take to create a more beautiful smile.

Choosing a Toothbrush
Everyone is aware that they need to brush their teeth regularly. However, few people understand the importance of choosing a proper toothbrush. Many believe that as long as they brush, they will have healthy teeth. However, the brush that you choose has much to do with how effective your brushing will be. When looking for a toothbrush, choose one that has a head of around 1 inch in length and a rounded appearance. The bristles should be soft and not cause damage to the gums. Avoid brushes that feel abrasive and can irritate the mouth. The average adult needs a brush with four rows of bristles while those with smaller mouths and children need a brush with three rows of bristles.

If the correct toothbrush is not chosen, the gums can become irritated and sore. This leaves the gums more susceptible to being attacked by gum disease. People with sore gums are also less likely to care for their teeth through regular brushing and floss due to the pain.

Visit a Dentist
Good dental hygiene also includes regular visits to a dentist. Gum disease is a common occurrence in adults. The reduction of plaque on the teeth during check-ups will reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Thus, the likelihood of gum disease also lessens. During regular check-ups, the dentist can examine the mouth for any signs of potential problems and stop them before they occur or worsen.

Use Mouth Wash
Studies show that rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash can give you added protection when it comes to tooth decay. Using a fluoride rinse is especially critical for those living in areas where fluoride is not added into the water supply.

Floss Between Teeth
While people know that they need to floss, not many people actually do it. Brushing alone will not remove the food particles that are stuck between the teeth. If left, these particles will cause plaque and tooth decay. In addition to preventing cavities, flossing can also reduce the chance of developing periodontal disease, which often leads to tooth loss in adults. For a healthy mouth, you should floss at least once a day. Most people floss before bedtime after all foods has been consumed for the day.

Properly caring for your teeth and following good dental health tips are essential in having a bright and white smile. Good teeth and gum hygiene should be carried out on a daily basis. Bacteria can begin to cause plaque within 24 hours of remaining in the mouth. Without removing the bacteria, tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities begin to form. Rotten or poorly kept teeth are very unsightly when it comes to meeting and talking to others. Damaged teeth and gums can also be very painful and make eating and drinking near impossible. Dental visits to correct the effects of poor dental health are very costly. Therefore, caring for your teeth while they are healthy is the best, most affordable, and easiest option available.

If you live in the Plano, TX area and would like more information, please visit Dr. Barnett's website . Dr. Barnett is a general dentist in Plano offering both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services.