It’s beautiful! It glows! It’s often the first thing that greets the world. So, why wouldn’t you want to do all that you can to protect your smile from damaging plaques, bacteria, and other harmful substances? It doesn’t have to be time consuming or a cumbersome job at all. A few small changes to your day to day life will likely make a world of difference inside your mouth.

The first thing to understand about the teeth and gums is that they typically require more than the regular brushing and flossing. While this is a very essential first step in the defense against decay and disease, there is more that can and should be done to ensure your dental health. After all, with brushing and flossing alone, you may be surprised to find that you end up with cavities or even gum disease anyway.

At any given moment in this country, it is thought that seventy-five percent of the population is suffering from some degree of gum disease. Yet, there are simple and easy ways to defend against its onset. For instance, chewing gum regularly is a great combatant. Though the teachers might yell, gum containing a natural sugar called xylitol has been shown to be an excellent defense against compounding bacteria and plaque. Also helpful are pH balanced mouthwashes, which should be used after meals or snacks containing high amounts of acid. Remember the acid often comes from the beverage choice rather than the actual food set before you. Acid breaks down tooth enamel, so the regular use of a pH balanced mouthwash can keep teeth safe and protected. Finally, you might consider investing in a mouth irrigation system. Though not commonly discussed, these systems are readily available, and can significantly improve the amount of plaque buildup between dental visits.

Read the full article on this topic at http://tobeinformed.com/1538/