Before your next regularly scheduled dental appointment make a list of any questions that you may have for both the dentist and for the hygienist. For instance, are you doing everything you can to maintain your oral health between visits to the office?

Besides brushing and flossing every day the foods that you eat and the beverages that you drink will have a big effect on the outcome of a home regimen for good oral health. Keep crisp veggies and fruits on hand for healthier in between meal snacks and avoid carbonated soda pop and acidic “sports drinks” Get in the habit of drinking more water!

Some dentists advise that flossing is the best way to avoid gum disease and there’s no good reason not to do it. New innovations in dental home products have made the procedure much easier. Floss handles and proxy brushes are just two examples. A Waterpik is not a substitute for flossing but it does do a good job of helping to clean between the teeth.

Find a toothpaste that contains fluoride. There are so many kinds available on today’s market all claiming to do one thing or another to improve your smile but fluoride is the one proven means of preventing tooth decay.

Visit the smile gallery on the Dental Care Associates website www.dentacareminot.com to see just how great your own smile could look.