Flossing is extremely important and should be done at least once a day. This is because layers of plaque and bacteria still remain on your teeth, especially in harder to reach areas, even after you brush. Flossing will remove the remaining plaque and food and reduce your risk of gum disease.

Plaque is bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums in the form of a sticky film. After you eat, your tooth enamel is attacked by the acid that plaque releases, which may lead to tooth decay. You should limit the amount you snack in between meals because these snacks will cause the plaque bacteria to release continuous acids onto your enamel, constantly wearing it down throughout the day.

The plaque and bacteria can also irritate your gums, not just your teeth. If your gums are not properly cleaned and treated, the bone around your teeth can be severely damaged and destroyed. This can possibly cause you to have your teeth removed. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Eating a well balanced diet is a good way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Limit the amount of the snacks in between your meals to avoid unnecessary build up and plaque. If you must snack, choose items such as fresh, raw veggies, plain yogurt, fruit, or cheese.

Proper diet and oral health should start at an early age. The foods you consume growing up, especially when you receive your permanent teeth, are extremely important for your dental health in the future. You only have one set of natural, permanent teeth, and you must make sure you are eating the right foods and drinks to ensure your dental longevity and health.

Sugar is one of the biggest enemies for your mouth and teeth. When bacteria, or plaque, comes in contact with sugar in your mouth, acids are produced. The acid can then attack your teeth for 20 or more minutes which can eventually lead to tooth decay.

Many foods naturally contain sugar, such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. They should not be removed from your diet based on their natural sugar occurrence but their consumption should be monitored and balanced. The nutrients that they contain are a big health benefit which is why they should still remain a part of your well balanced diet. Added sugars in certain foods are the types we need to be aware of and limit.

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Gum has evolved over time since ancient use with the Greeks and Mayans. Today, the base of gum products are made from a blend of synthetics such as resins and waxes. The American Dental Association supports the use of chewing gum based on numerous studies of the positive effects sugarless gum has in oral care. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can reduce the risk of tooth decay.

The act of chewing initially starts to increase the flow and production of saliva in the mouth. Chewing gum after eating will help neutralize and wash away the acids produced during the break down of foods. Without sufficient saliva flow, plaque and bacteria can remain on the tooth, causing it to break down the enamel, which then may result in tooth decay.

Chewing gum should never replace brushing and flossing. It is still necessary to brush twice a day and floss at least once. For a complete list of ADA approved sugarless gum, check out this list.

Fluoride Toothpaste – Many toothpastes contain fluoride because it makes teeth more resistant to decay. You have a smaller chance of getting cavities and disease when using a fluoride formula over those that don’t contain it. If you are more vulnerable to decay, your dentist might recommend a higher concentration fluoride formula of toothpaste.

Tartar Control – This kind of toothpaste contains ingredients that help fight gum disease by reducing the presence of plaque. This is important because tartar can build up underneath the gum line, which gives more room for plaque to grow and may cause gingivitis. Aside from causing disease, tartar is more porous and can absorb stains very easily. This can give your teeth a dull, dark appearance especially if you smoke or drink coffee or tea.

Sensitive Teeth – Many brands make toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth. It contains either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate which are the key ingredients that help sensitive teeth. This kind of toothpaste either builds up a barrier around your dentin so you won’t feel pain or it calms the tooth’s nerves to stop the sensitivity.

Baking Soda – These types of toothpaste use the power of baking soda to give your mouth a long lasting fresh feeling. Baking soda might also give a deeper clean than other kinds of toothpaste. But be careful when using it because prolonged use may cause gum irritation.

Tell your doctor what concerns you have about your teeth and what condition your teeth are in. He or she will recommend the best kind of toothpaste for your specific teeth.

The best time of day to floss is at night before bed. This way you can clean out everything from your teeth that has built up throughout the day. Your teeth will have less bacteria while you sleep and will stay that way until the morning when you brush again. You should floss after every meal but if you only have time to do it once, in the evening before bed is best.

The way you floss also affects the amount of bacteria and plaque on your teeth. If you don’t floss correctly you can injure your gums and cause them to bleed. You should take about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your index fingers, leaving a 1-2 inch space. With the floss taut, gently guide it in between your teeth in a zigzag motion instead of forcing it in with one move. Move it back and forth across the tooth’s surface and under the gum line. You must do this gently or you can easily harm your gums.

Ideally, you should always floss before you brush your teeth or at least once a day. By only brushing, you are leaving behind 40% of your tooth’s surface allowing bacteria to grow and plaque to build. Plaque build-up leads to gum disease which can be prevented by adequately flossing your teeth every day.