When it comes to the care of your teeth, there are a lot of things you should know and be doing, or not doing. While some of these things are obvious, like not opening a bottle with your teeth, others may not be so obvious. This article can help you recognize some of the important dos and don'ts of dental care, so you will be able to enjoy your healthy and nice-looking teeth for as long as possible.

The dos of dental care –

Do: Brush your teeth at least two times a day as a minimum guideline. If you end up eating a lot of sweets throughout the day, then you should add in an extra brushing to remove some of that excess sugar that can pull more bacteria to your teeth and cause more plaque to build up on them which results in an increased risk of cavities.

Do: Floss after every meal, even if you don't see or feel food caught between your teeth. Each time you eat, there will be food particles, even if they are extremely small, that will make their way between your teeth where they will sit for a long time unless you do something about it. This is why flossing after every meal is so important.

Do: Go in to see your dentist as soon as you can get an appointment if you damage a tooth. Getting a veneer, bonding or a crown on a chipped or broken tooth right away can help save the tooth from further damage.

Do: Make sure you pay a visit to your dentist at the first sign of possible sleep apnea. This is a serious condition that your dentist may be able to help you with just by getting you in the proper sleep apnea appliance.

Do: Turn to the dentist for your teeth whitening needs. If you use over-the-counter products, you won't get those amazing and fast results your dentist would give you with a professional whitening.

The don'ts of dental care –

Don't: You never want to turn to your teeth when you need a tool to open a package. They are only meant for biting into food and chewing it. Any out of the ordinary stress put on them can cause pressure to be put on them that can damage them.

Don't: You should avoid using nicotine products for many reasons, one of which is the health of your mouth, including your teeth. Nicotine products can increase your chances of developing gum disease, stain your teeth and increase your risks of developing oral cancer.

Don't: You don't want to brush too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush. Both brushing with too much pressure and using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause damage to your enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth that is important to keeping them looking healthy, white, and in good shape.