Adults should brush their teeth after every meal, or at least three times daily, and they should floss once every day.  The reality is that many people have schedules that are too busy to permit brushing three times a day, but all children over three years of age and all adults should brush at least twice a day and floss once, at the very least.

For detailed instructions on how to most effectively brush one’s teeth, it is best to consult with a dentist or dental hygienist.  Still, the following guidelines are a good start.  It is generally recommended that adults use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.  Brush with moderate pressure, in a circular motion to remove the most plaque.  Brushing too softly may allow plaque to remain on or between the teeth, while brushing too hard can damage gum tissues.  It is recommended that people brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes to ensure optimal cleanliness and plaque removal.

Flossing in between the teeth and at the gum line is essential to avoiding gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss.  Most people do not realize that up to 75 percent of the population suffers from gum disease, and that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.  Furthermore, recent studies have determined a correlation between gum disease and heart disease and stroke.  For optimal health, it is essential that all adults floss their teeth at least once a day.  For proper flossing techniques, consult with a general dentist or dental hygienist.

Orthodontics is a dental specialty, which means certain dentists receive advanced training to become a specialist in this area.   Probably the most well known of the dental specialists, orthodontists have been specifically trained and certified to treat malocclusion, or “bad bite”.  Braces are a common and effective technology orthodontists use for correcting a bad bite and straightening a smile.

What are braces?
Braces are brackets that attach to your teeth, with arch wires that connect the brackets.  This hardware exerts a gentle pressure on teeth that slowly pushes them in the right direction to straighten the smile.  This straightening works over a period of months, and requires a series of adjustment along the way.

Braces aren’t just for kids.
If you’d like your teeth to be straighter, regardless of your age, you should contact your dentist or orthodontist about getting braces.  Some treatments work better when you are younger, so the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you have your children evaluated by the age of seven.  Adults can get also very good results from braces, but your orthodontist may use different methods, and the process will often take longer.

Teens and adults are often concerned about having an unattractive “metal-mouth” look.   Today’s orthodontics uses newer technologies which have made the brackets and wires smaller and less visible.   In some cases, your orthodontist can even use brackets positioned behind the teeth, or special transparent and removable appliances that are hardly noticeable at all.  (See Invisalign)

Ask your dentist what options are appropriate for straightening your smile.

Bad breath, officially known as halitosis, is a problem that plagues most people at some time in their life.  While breath fresheners such as mints and gums can temporarily solve the issue, there are preventive measures that can be taken to stop bad breath before it starts.

The best way to prevent bad breath is to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine.  Food debris in the teeth and gums is an ideal environment to foster the bacteria that cause bad breath.  Removing this debris often through brushing and flossing is the most effective way to prevent bad breath.  Another way to eliminate and prevent halitosis is to use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria every time you brush and in between meals.

Diet plays a large role in dental hygiene and in the prevention of bad breath.  It is obvious that certain foods, such as onions, can contribute to bad breath, but there are certain foods that are actually effective in the prevention of halitosis.  Fibrous foods such as raw vegetables not only scrape bacteria from tooth surfaces, but they also promote increased saliva flow, which limits the possibility of bad breath.  Eating healthy foods at breakfast is especially helpful in eliminating the bad breath bacteria that can form in the mouth over night.  In addition to eating a healthy diet, staying well-hydrated is also an important tool in the fight against bad breath.

Aside from being a social nuisance, bad breath may be a sign of a serious medical condition.  If your bad breath persists, it is wise to see a dentist about the problem.