When it comes to taking care of your teeth, not only should you have a clear understanding of what you should be doing to care for them, but you should also know why doing those things is so important. Here are the basics of dental care and other important information so you are well-versed on how to take the best care of your teeth:

Brush and floss your teeth a minimum of twice a day

If you eat a good diet of foods that aren't known to be damaging to your teeth then you may only need to brush and floss twice a day. However, there are times when you should consider doing these things more. If you drink coffee, red wine, energy drinks or other drinks known for causing staining then you should add in another brushing session to reduce the chances of stains. If you eat foods that increase the chances of staining or cavities, then you should also brush more. These foods can include colored sauces, popsicles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cake frosting. If you eat food that has lodged between your teeth, you might need to floss more frequently. 

Drink a lot of water each day

There are many reasons for making sure you drink plenty of water every day. First, it helps to prevent dehydration which is bad for your health in many ways, including being hard on your teeth. Drinking water also helps you to feel fuller for longer which will help to curb cravings for snacks which may come in the form of sugary goodies. Drinking water with and after your meals will also help to wash down food so it doesn't remain on your teeth.

Make sure you are taking in the right vitamins

Vitamin D and calcium are both very important to the health and well-being of your teeth. You should try to eat foods rich in both these things often. Some examples of foods rich in vitamin D and/or calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, green and leafy veggies, citrus fruits and many others. IF you find that you are having a hard time meeting your needs in this area with your daily diet then you should also take a good multi-vitamin so you know you are getting enough. Both vitamin D and calcium will help keep your teeth stronger and healthier so they don't break as easily and so they can fend off cavities better. For more information, visit dentists in your area.