One visit to the dentist is not nearly enough to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. It takes a lifetime of determination and dental care on your part to ensure you have a healthy smile. The following article has compiled some great tried and true advice for you to try for the perfect smile.

Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. If you don't spend enough time brushing, you will not get your teeth clean. You need a full two minutes to brush the front, back, and top of your teeth. You should also brush your gums. Be gentle when brushing your gums.

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.

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.

Invest in a good antibacterial rinse. Use is after you brush your teeth. If your teeth or gums are too sensitive, ask your dentist about alternatives such as Sensodyne or fluoride rinses. You should know that using an antibacterial product remains the best way to slow down gum disease and tooth decay.

Take care of your toothbrush. After you finish cleaning your teeth, make sure you clean your toothbrush, too. Simply wash it off with water and place it in a toothbrush holder so that it is standing up. Putting your toothbrush in a case is not advisable, because bacteria is more likely to grow that way.

When it comes to creating strong, healthy teeth, fluoride can be your best friend. If the water from your tap does not contain fluoride, you and everyone in your household will be more prone to tooth decay. One option is to use toothpaste that is enriched with fluoride. Another option is to use mouthwash or rinses containing fluoride.

There are many food that you can add to your diet to give your teeth the best possible chance to stay healthy and strong. Foods high in vitamin C and vitamin A, such as oranges and carrots, help teeth stay strong. Onions, eaten raw, fight the bacteria that can promote decay. Don't forget to drink lots of water. It can help rinse away bacteria that can harm your teeth.

See your dentist at least once a year. A dentist can catch problems that you may not notice, and can x-ray your teeth to catch any cavities early. Your dentist can also recommend toothpastes and mouthwashes that you can use to care for your mouth while you are at home, too.

Use what you have learned to create a better system for dental maintenance. You don't want the dentist to say it looks like you ate some mud when you go in for your next teeth cleaning or procedure. Instead, you want to be maintaining what he or she has done for your mouth.