Taking good care of your smile is not always easy. With time, teeth may become stained, yellow, or decayed. They may be painful if they are not given enough attention. It is possible to avoid doing damage to your teeth or even reverse what has already occurred. Take the time to read this article about how to care for your teeth.

When you are brushing, remember your back teeth! Some people tend to brush only those teeth that they can see. Unfortunately, this fails to prevent buildup of plaque, making you more vulnerable to tooth decay. Be sure your back teeth are getting brushed the same as the front ones so you won’t have trouble.

Check your toothbrush for how hard the bristles are. You want something that is soft or even medium grade. Hard bristles can actually wear down your enamel over time. You want something that can remove debris and clean the surfaces of your teeth, but not actually do damage to them.

Stop smoking to improve your dental health. Smoking harms both teeth and gums. It can even discolor your teeth. Smoking disrupts the blood supply to the gums, which makes it harder for them to remain strong and healthy. This reduced blood supply makes it more difficult for dentists to diagnose gum diseases.

Although they are very healthy for your insides, acidic things like oranges and orange juice can be brutal on your teeth. The acidic properties can wear away the vital layer of enamel on the surface! Whenever you do enjoy foods high in acids, be sure and brush well as soon as possible.

Make sure to regularly replace your toothbrush. Use a toothbrush for no more than 3-4 months. Even if your brush still looks like its brand new, chances are the bristles have become frayed. Older toothbrushes won’t clean your teeth well. You must make sure that you regularly replace your toothbrush.

If you want your teeth to stay healthy and you enjoy having a beautiful smile, you should see your dentist every six months. Getting your teeth cleaned twice per year will help them to stay clean and free of unsightly tartar and plaque build up. Regular dental checkups are the key to preventing dental decay.

Get your kids excited about brushing their teeth. There are many great videos out there that can not only show your kids how to brush their teeth, but also why it is so important. Watching other kids and characters that they like displaying good dental care habits, will hopefully motivate them to do the same.

When you have a lot of trouble with your teeth, ask your dentist about applying a sealant to your enamel. This keeps it hard and impermeable, ensuring that cavities are held at bay. The cost can be high, so ask for a quote before you get the appointment so you can afford it.

It’s not always easy to practice proper dental hygiene. You can end up with a lot of problems unless you have the right dental habits. These tips should lead you in the right direction. Good dental habits become almost second nature after a while. If you have dental concerns, or aren’t sure what you should do next, see a dentist.