What is basic dental care?

Basic dental care involves brushing and flossing regularly, eating a mouth-healthy diet, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.

Why is proper dental care important?

Practicing proper dental care:

• Prevents tooth decay. For more information, see the topic Tooth Decay.

• Prevents gum (periodontal) disease , which can damage gum tissue and the bones that support teeth , and can ultimately cause the loss of teeth. For more information, see the topic Gum Disease. 

• Shortens time with the dentist and dental hygienist and makes the trip more pleasant.

• Saves money. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures.

• Helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
  Helps keep teeth white by preventing staining from food, drinks, and tobacco. 

• Improves overall health.

Your teeth can last a lifetime if you practice proper dental care.

Are there ways to avoid dental problems?

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires good nutrition and regular brushing and flossing.

• Floss at least once a day and brush your teeth after meals and between-meal snacks to remove plaque.

• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

• Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.

• Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) also may cause gum disease, as well as other health problems.

• Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a front-to-back direction. Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.

• Ask whether your dentist or hygienist recommends using a mouthwash that contains fluoride and ingredients to reduce plaque. 

• Schedule regular trips to the dentist, who can recommend the best schedule for examinations and cleaning depending on your needs.