7/18/2006

        Good oral care starts with regular brushing, flossing and dental appointments, but there might be more you can do to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and to avoid gingivitis and other oral health problems. Your dental professional can help you go beyond the basics and do what's best for you. Use these tips to start a conversation at your next appointment, and see what you've been missing.

Choose water over soda. Sipping soda can increase the rate of harmful acid attacks on tooth enamel.Drink tap water when possible. If bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits of fluoride.Low-carb diets can cause bad breath. A balanced, dental-healthy diet can help reduce tooth decay.

Replace your toothbrush every three months and after every illness.Certain medications can impact your oral health, for example causing dry mouth.Time for a brush replacement? Check out our selection of manuual tothbrushes!

Smokers can have gum disease even without any signs of bleeding. Smokers have an increased incidence of periodontal disease, and the bone and tooth loss associated with it.