Part of having good preventive dental care habits is cutting down on carbonated beverages, fruit juice and acidic foods can harm teeth. Acid in our food can cause enamel to wear away. When that happens your teeth are at a higher risk for tooth decay

Acid reflux, is caused when the esophageal sphincter, which separates the stomach from the esophagus, allows acid to seep out of the stomach. Often times this acid can cause heartburn, but not always. In the absence of heartburn symptoms, one of the first indication that a person may have acid reflux is by the erosion of the enamel on their molars or on the backside of their teeth.  

As you age, you become more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. According to current studies, symptoms of these diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth, making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases. In fact, your dentist may be the first health professional to notice a problem. In addition, it is important to visit your dentist regularly because some oral problems, for instance root decay, can only be detected in its early stages by x-ray examination.

Your dentist can diagnose and treat dental health problems before they become larger more serious dental issues. However they can only do that when you are making and keeping your regular dental appointments.    New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole.

Flossing is very important part of your daily dental care habits not only for your teeth but for you gums. People do not always realize just how important it is to take care of their gums as well as their teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.  

Regardless of age it is important to make sure you brush you teeth. Brushing your teeth helps to remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.  It is suggested that your brush your teeth for at least two to three minutes with fluoridated toothpaste, if possible brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day.  

The leading cause of tooth loss in adults is not the aging process but gum disease. It is important to understand that gum disease can happen at any age.  However, with good oral health habits and a healthy lifestyle you help to keep your gums healthy and your teeth for a lifetime.   

Tooth decay is damage that occurs when germs (bacteria) in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. Which can lead to a hole in the tooth, called a cavity. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.  One of the best way to avoid tooth decay is by have proper at home dental care habits. Such as: brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and by using a mouthwash that kills the germs that cause bad breath and gingivitises  

Question: I do not like having to go to the dentist. There is an old saying that an apple a day helps to keep the doctor away, so is there anything that works on a dentist?   

Question: I have to have four teeth pulled before I can have braces, not because they are bad or anything.  I never had my teeth pulled out or really any other type of major dental treatment does it hurt?  

When brushing your teeth you will want to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste helps to prevent tooth decay. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Also look for toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association

Why is have good dental hygiene habits so important? We talked about having good oral hygiene habits throughout many post. However what are the benefits of having good oral hygiene habits.    

Research confirms that having good oral health is integral part of having good general health.  Studies has found that this link is even more important for any person living with diabetes.  

No matter how great your dental habits are at home you still need to go to the dentist for regular dental check ups. It is key to have someone who knows teeth keep tabs on yours. See your dentist on regular basis, so they can look for signs of disease.  And remember  often you will need to go will depend in part on how well you care for your teeth. Most people have to visit only twice a year.

Many people thing mouth rinse and mouthwash are the same, but that would be wrong.   

Mouthwash: Mouthwash is used to help freshen your breath. 

If you are only brushing your teeth you are only doing half the job. Cleaning between your teeth every day can have a crucial impact on your oral health, that is why it is important to make sure and floss daily.   If you have a tough time reaching certain parts of your mouth to floss, ask your dentist about interdental brushes, floss aides, or water or air-flossing devices.

A way to avoid having expensive dental visits is by having good at home dental habits. One of the first dental care habits we think of is brushing our teeth. Brushing our teeth once a day is good, but the American Dental Association says to brush twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.  

Flossing is fundamental part of your at home dental habit in order to keep your teeth and gums clean. However you only get the benefits of flossing when you do it right. Snapping and popping your way through the process probably does more harm than good, causing friction on tissue and damage at the gum line.   

Even though most people know that regular dental check ups are important part of our oral health care, roughly 50% of adults in the United States still do not see a dentist on a yearly basis. The main reasons for that is do to  “dentist-phobia,” finances, or just plain neglect.  

Stress as become a factor for many American as economic pressures takes it toll  It is not surprising that less people are going to the dentist for a whiter smile since whiting treatments are normally not covered under dental insurance the cost is too high to spend on extras.