It is amazing how well we can remember to floss our teeth and give them an extra good scrub twice a year when our dental exams roll around, but the rest of the year our “chompers” just don’t get the attention they deserve. Once our adult teeth come in, that’s all we get for the rest of our life, so perhaps it’s time to consider taking better care of them now, so we don’t have issues with them later.

Tooth decay is not a natural process, but is a bacterial disorder primarily caused by poor nutrition and poor hygiene.

Here are a few ways to keep your dentist happy and your smile healthy:

• Brush at least twice a day, especially in between meals. Make sure to brush gently as harsh brushing can cause gum lines to recede.

• Avoid eating too many refined carbohydrates (breads, pastas, pastries) which leave a sticky film on our teeth and are a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria to produce the acids that leech both calcium and phosphates from our teeth.

• Eat plenty of raw fruits and veggies since they contain high amounts of minerals which will reduce the amount of acid produced in our saliva.

• Don’t forget the importance of flossing as this activity is vital for cleaning out food particles in hard to reach places. Eating fresh and crunchy natural items such as apples, carrots and celery can also aid in cleaning

between teeth and help stimulate our gums.

• Avoid carbonated beverages as they often advance calcium loss.

• Calcium is an essential nutrient for building strong bones and teeth. Excellent sources of calcium can be found in nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, Hazelnuts, along with

both sesame and sunflower seeds. A few other great sources of natural calcium are beans (especially black), broccoli, oats and green leafy vegetables such as collard and mustard greens, kale and spinach. Seaweeds such as kelp and dulse also contain this important nutrient.

• A great natural mouthwash can be made by mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. This method may lesson our exposure to unnecessary chemicals that are found in commercial mouthwash.

And for the folks who enjoy the art of facial/tongue piercing, keep in mind that these piercings can also have an effect on our teeth. As we go about our daily routines and enjoy activities such as eating and talking, the metal on the piercings can bang at our teeth, slowly breaking away at the enamel and can cause permanent damage. I myself enjoy the various forms of body art and personal expressions, but we should keep in mind that our smile is a free and inexpensive accessory that can be appreciated at any occasion.