A Guide to Oral Hygiene

Let's face it - most of us cringe when we hear the word "dentist." We automatically think of root canals, cavities and hours in that uncomfortable dental chair. Why does it have to be such a grueling event? Ironically, if we were to maintain good oral hygiene, chances are likely that we wouldn't have such a painful trip to the dentist. Instead, it would be a smooth procedure that wouldn't require any type of sedation dentistry.

In simple terms, good oral hygiene means healthy gums that don't bleed, minimal bad breath and teeth that aren't plagued with plaque. Maintaining this hygiene is not only vital for your health, but also for your wallet. The less problems you have, the less money you will have to fork over. Follow these simple steps and soon you too will be phobia-free.

1. No matter how healthy your teeth are, it is vital that you brush at least twice a day. While you really should brush after every meal, two times a day will get rid of the food build up. For those hard to reach areas, you absolutely should floss. By not exercising your gums, bacteria will build up and ultimately cause them to become swollen and bleed.

2. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash is also very beneficial. It is important that you ask your dentist what kind you should be using. Depending on your age, different kinds may be recommended. For adults, any generic kind like Listerine® will be effective. Hate that burning sensation? Try an alcohol-free product such as Crest® Pro-Health mouthwash.

3. Surprisingly, your diet also impacts the health of your teeth. If you eat poorly and rarely reach for a second helping of vegetables, gum disease and tooth decay can be a serious problem. By eating a balanced diet, you can actually decrease the risk of infection and reduce the risk of cavities. Common sense goes a long way - avoid the sugar at all costs!

4. Scheduling two dental visits a year is critical. We all tend to put appointments off and try our very best to come up with the ultimate excuse. However, the longer you wait, the more likely you'll have to pay (physically and financially). When we get our teeth cleaned, we are able to catch an early cavity, which may put an end to the possibility of a root canal.

5. While you may think this one is a myth, chew sugar-free gum. You heard us correctly - we aren't trying to trick you. Dentists will admit that a common ingredient found in gum, Xylitol, actually prevents bacteria buildup that leads to tooth decay and other mouth diseases. Chewing this after meals may significantly decrease your chances of having another cavity.