Hygiene issues
1. My teeth are dull looking

When teeth aren’t flossed and brushed well, a coating of plaque forms on the tooth surface.  Just as a dirty diamond looks dull, so do plaque coated teeth.  Teeth sparkle as does a clean diamond when they are plaque free. 

2. I have a bad breath (halitosis) and bad taste

a. Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) are found in dental plaque on the teeth or tongue.  These compounds are also found in infected gum tissue and in certain foods such as garlic, onions and cabbage.  VSC’s are bad-smelling substances that contribute to halitosis.  They include hydrogen sulfide (the odor or rotten eggs), methyl mercaptains (intestinal gases), dimethyl sulfide (cabbage, sulfur, gasoline), Isovaleric acid (sweat, rancid-cheese, off-milk) and other VSC’s that are produced by the metabolism of oral bacteria and sugar. 

b. As VSC’s are also formed in periodontal infection ask the dentist or dental hygienist if this is a contributing factor for you. 
 A good dental cleaning and good daily flossing, brushing and tongue cleaning can quickly eliminate the problem of bad breath.  Decreasing the frequency of sugar ingestion and cutting back on the foods that contain VSC’s is also helpful.

How can I correctly care for my teeth?

It is important to remember that the keystones of Preventive Dentistry are good home oral hygiene, a low sugar diet and a schedule of  professional cleanings based on 1. the health of your teeth and gums and 2. your home care effectiveness and the . 
In addition, it is important to understand that a thorough dental examination to discover problems as early as possible is the first step.  We've all heard the adage "A stitch in time saves nine!"  Nothing can be truer pertaining to dental health.  Fixing a small cavity only requires the placement of a small filling, but waiting until the cavity hurts or the tooth breaks can result in a root canal, post and crown.
The best way to learn proper oral hygiene is by instruction from a dentist or dental hygienist. 

Some of the home care tools should be used are:
a. The use of dental floss 
b. A good electric toothbrush such as the Braun Oral B can be very helpful because with it you clean one tooth at a time 
c. A tongue cleaner if your tongue is coated the use of fluoride