Although dental decay and periodontal disease are some of the most common conditions in both adults and children, they are also completely preventable with proper care. Both dental decay (caries) and gum disease (periodontal disease) are caused by germs that are found naturally in our mouths. As long as you take proper care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and using recommended rinses, you can prevent those bacteria from causing damage to your teeth. But when you don’t perform those jobs properly, then you may give those germs a chance to cause damage to your body.  And now, science is finding out that the localized inflammation that occurs with improper home care may have adverse effects on the rest of your body as well. An increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other systemic conditions have all been tied to increased gum disease.

Follow these steps to ensure good oral health:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after meals and before bed.
• Floss between your teeth daily, to reach where you may have missed while brushing.
• Eat nutritious meals and limit sugary and sticky foods.
• Use a mouth rinse containing fluoride. It can help prevent tooth decay.