Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as "crisis treatment" versus "preventive treatment." While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process.

An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems." However, tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity three to four years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.

Flossing reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left in your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque, which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria that the toothbrush can't get to, which are hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. It eventually hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing, but only a dentist can remove tartar.
Ask your dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at your next cleaning appointment.

Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic. Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow. Ask your dentist when you come in for other creative ways to get your children to brush their teeth.

Getting your children to brush starts with taking them to the dentist at an early age. All children should visit their dentist by their first birthday or six months after the eruption of the first tooth.

Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to remove bacteria from between your teeth.
Watch how much sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers, and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant food supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when you eat sweet items and brush your teeth afterward.
If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water, which can help remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of your saliva, which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance. And do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

*Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
*Infections in the bone
*Periodontal (gum) disease
*Abscesses or cysts
*Developmental abnormalities
*Some types of tumors

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money, and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life. Your dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present in development. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Please discuss any additional questions or concerns with your dentist.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water, you will acquire fluoride. If drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.

The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making your tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in your mouth.
Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes degenerative bone loss. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether you are getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.

The American Dental Association cites sealants as an effective weapon in the arsenal against tooth decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting your teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

Sealants have proven effective with both adults and children but are most commonly used with children. Even though sealants are about half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children have sealants on their permanent teeth. Ask your dentist whether sealants are a good choice for you or your children.

The American Dental Association recognizes that piercing is a widely accepted form of self-expression, and this includes piercings in the mouth. However, the potential problems from piercings are numerous. Some symptoms after a piercing include pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, tooth loss, and an increased flow of saliva, none of which are particularly pleasant. Tongue piercing can also cause excessive bleeding. If you are thinking of placing a piercing in or around your mouth, talk to your dentist first. If you already have piercings and are having problems, see your dentist right away.

Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may help you save it:

*Rinse—do not scrub—the tooth to remove dirt or debris.
*Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue.
*Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket, as this could cause further damage.
*Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly.
*If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.

When you are asleep, saliva production in your mouth decreases. Since your saliva is the mouth's natural mouthwash, most people experience morning breath. Bacteria found in the crevices of teeth and on the tongue’s taste buds break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds. It is these sulfur compounds that give our breath a bad odor. Your saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles and also helps to dissolve the foul-smelling sulfur compounds.

Chronic, long-term mouth odor can be a sign of a more serious illness. See your dentist if this is a concern