Have you ever dreaded going to the dentist? Many people do, but remember that a dentist is always there to help you. You have to trust them, and you have to do as much as you can on your own time to make it a much more pleasant visit when you arrive. Keep reading to find out more of what you can do.

There are many different elements that can end up staining your teeth. Coffee, red wine and cigarettes are some of the most common culprits. If you just can not avoid these things, you can drink your coffee and wine through a straw so that it does not hit your teeth. It is also helpful to brush your teeth right after smoking.

Have your teeth cleaned and checked by a dentist twice a year. Dental cleanings are quite important. At this time your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, checked for cavities and gingivitis and any thing else your dentist may need to check. If caught early enough some dental problems have easy treatment plans, but if you let them go you risk more invasive procedures.

You should not use over the counter whitening treatments if you have problems such as gum disease, tooth decay or cavities. These whitening treatments contain some very strong chemicals that could cause a lot of pain and damage if you apply them over damaged teeth or if they come in content with diseased gums.

A glass of water a day keeps the dentist away. Actually, make that eight glasses of water, or 64 ounces. When you drink enough water, you are less likely to drink things that harm your teeth. When you skimp on water, you fill up on soda pop, Kool-Aid, and other sugary drinks.

When you brush your teeth, set a timer for two minutes to ensure you do it for long enough. Keep the brush itself at 45-degrees to ensure it gets beneath the gums and between the teeth. Always make your way around the mouth in the same direction so you never miss any teeth.

If you ever run out of your regular brand of toothpaste and need a quick fix, experts say it's okay to mix baking soda and water to hold you over. The bubbly concoction is actually as good as most major brands of commercial toothpaste. Simply wet your brush and dab the bristles in the baking soda and voila, your teeth are clean!

If you see even a small amount of blood in your mouth after brushing your teeth, it is time to make an appointment with your dentist or periodontist. Bleeding gums are a possible indicator of gum disease, which can become seriously problematic if it goes untreated. Gum disease makes you more vulnerable to tooth loss, bone loss, diabetes and infections.

When you brush your teeth can be just as important as how often you brush your teeth. Although most dentists recommend brushing twice a day, it is important to make one of those brushings before you go to sleep at night. The production of saliva is much slower during sleep, and less saliva can allow damaging bacteria to grow.

Protecting your smile is important beyond the aesthetics; oral health plays a significant role in your overall well being too! Teeth and gums with problems can mean underlying conditions you need to be aware of. Take good care of your mouth and watch for signs of trouble. Your beautiful smile depends on it!