All dentists believe that people can prevent two of the most common diseases today - tooth decay and periodontal disease - simply by improving their diet. Decay results when the hard tissues are destroyed by acid products from bacteria. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease,

Saliva is your body's best mechanism for fighting the destructive forces of acids formed by plaque. Saliva acts as a buffer and remineralizing agent. Sugarless gum is one way to stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth in between brushings.The best way to prevent cavities, however, is to brush and

Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball all pose risks to your gum tissues, as well as your teeth. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth,

General prevention tips:Proper plaque control and good oral hygiene can many times prevent the kinds of tooth decay that leads to chronic changes in the inner structures of your tooth. Proper plaque control consists of professional cleanings at least twice a year, along with daily brushing and flossing.

Only daily brushing and flossing, and scheduling regular professional cleanings, will take care of unpleasant breath. And don't forget your often overlooked tongue as a culprit for bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris also can accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's surface is extremely

Brushing is the most effective method for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums. Getting the debris off your teeth and gums in a timely manner prevents bacteria in the food you eat from turning into harmful, cavity -causing acids.Most dentists agree that brushing three times a day is the minimum;

For Those With Special Needs If you have dexterity problems or a physical disability, you may find it difficult to hold onto your toothbrush or dental floss. Try these techniques: Enlarge the brush handle with a soft material such as a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle handle grip. Lengthen the handle

Cracked teeth are typically caused by one of three things: an injury, undue pressure from grinding or clenching over a long period of time, or the breakdown of prior fillings that may break down and leak. In some cases, a cracked tooth may eventually split into two pieces, making it impossible to save

There really is no alternative to flossing, although some people have tried water picks. While water picks may be effective for people with orthodontic braces, they do not remove plaque. Dentists sometime recommend water picks for people with gum disease because flossing is simply too painful. Other

What is flossing?Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord you insert and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth. Why is flossing important?Many dentists believe that