Preventive care is really a very personal thing when it comes to your teeth.  But there are a few things that you can do that can make a big difference.  One of these things is flossing - I remember meeting an Air Force dentist in my travels - he had a simple philosophy and an eloquently simple way of stating it, he said "only floss the teeth you want to keep".  Personal experience tells me he was right.  Making time for flossing has made a big difference in the health of my teeth.

The main cause of tooth decay and gum problems are the foods we choose to eat.  Eating is also a very personal experience, but is also something that is under your control.  Learning how foods affect your teeth can help you battle tooth decay and make your dental visits more enjoyable - because no one wants to hear that they have a cavity.

How does the food you eat cause tooth decay?  When you eat, food passes through your mouth. Here it meets the germs, or bacteria, that live in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth.

These bacteria love the sugars and starches found in many foods. When you don't clean your teeth after eating, plaque bacteria use the sugar and starch to produce acids that can destroy the hard surface of the tooth, called enamel. After a while, tooth decay occurs. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage can occur.

How do I choose foods wisely?  Some foods that you would least expect contain sugars or starches. Some examples are fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables.

The key to choosing foods wisely is not to avoid these foods, but to think before you eat. Not only what you eat but when you eat makes a big difference in your dental health. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. If you are on a special diet, keep your physician's advice in mind when choosing foods. For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks.

What are tips for better dental health?

To get a balanced diet, eat a variety of foods. Choose foods from each of the five major food groups:

* breads, cereals and other grain products
* fruits
* vegetables
* meat, poultry and fish
* milk, cheese and yogurt

Limit the number of snacks that you eat. Each time you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more. If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit.

Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, which helps wash foods from the mouth and helps lessen the effects of acids.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.  If you only floss once a day make sure its before bedtime.