There are many things you can do to help protect your teeth. However, you may wonder what exactly to do. Do you whiten your teeth at home, or have it done professionally? The following articles has some helpful tips that should point you in the right direction.

Make sure you spend a full two or three minutes brushing your teeth twice daily. To help you keep brushing, there are a couple of tricks you can use. You can buy an electronic toothbrush with a timer. Play a song that is 2 or 3 minutes long while you brush.

If you run out of toothpaste, baking soda and water can be an effective substitute. Simply mix in some water with a small amount of baking soda and use it just as you would toothpaste. An added benefit to using baking soda is that, along with neutralizing mouth odors, its abrasive nature can help with stain removal.

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.

Home whitening kits are a great short-term fix for lightly stained teeth. However, many people report burning and increased sensitivity caused by the gel uses in the kits. If oral sensitivity is turning you off of home whitening, use a fluoride gel immediately before and after you apply the whitening product. Your teeth will be noticeably less sensitive.

Sugarless gum is a good way to clean your teeth if you cannot carry a toothbrush with you everywhere. Chew a piece of sugarless gum to clean your teeth after eating a small snack. Keep in mind that gum is not good for your teeth if it contains any kind of sugar.

In order to keep your teeth healthy, try to avoid eating foods high in carbohydrates. These foods, such as candies, chips, pretzels, and pastas, tend to stick onto your teeth and are hard to come off, even when you brush them thoroughly. This is what causes cavities and other dental issues.

If you dislike commercial mouthwash, but want a rinse that will keep breath fresh, here is a natural option you can make yourself. You can put 1 tbs. hydrogen peroxide, 1 tbs. salt and 3 tbs. baking soda in 3 c. boiling water. This is an ideal homemade mouthwash.

If you are seeking a dentist, consider asking your insurance company for a referral. You may be able to receive recommendations from your dentist. You can then use this information to research all the dentists and find one that is right for you.

Have you learned something new yet? There are quite a few different products out there that you can use for teeth whitening. The above article will help you make informed decisions concerning your oral hygiene products. Your healthy mouth will appreciate the effort!