Good oral hygiene is important for good general health. We learn more and more every day about the negative affects poor dental care can have on every aspect of overall health and well being. For this reason, it is very important that you not only visit your dentist regularly, but also learn to take excellent care of your own teeth. In this article by orthodontist Las Vegas, we will discuss some good oral hygiene practices.

If you are deathly afraid of spending time in the dentist's chair, you might be tempted to skip cleanings or procedures altogether. This is a bad idea, especially since poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease or even diabetes. Consider sedation dentistry, in which the patient is not awake during the appointment. Furthermore, some dentists will prescribe sedatives prior to the appointment. If you use either option, you must have someone who can drive you to and from the appointment.

Use a small amount of toothpaste when you brush. While it may seem like more toothpaste would clean teeth better, it will not. The phrase, "less is more" works best when brushing your teeth. All you need is a pea-sized amount of toothpaste in the middle of your toothbrush for optimal cleaning.

When you struggle with your breath, consider avoiding eating garlic and onions. If you can't cut them from your diet, brushing your teeth and tongue after meals can help. Also use mouthwash and even gargle with it to clean out all the remnants left over from your meal, keeping your breath fresh.

Find a good health insurance with dental protection. The best plans will cover all your visits to the dentist, including two check-ups a year to get your teeth cleaned and inspected. If you can afford to, get a comprehensive policy for your entire family. Talk to your employer about benefits too.

Don't forget to floss. A lot of people don't take the time to floss twice a day, but it really helps. You cannot reach all of the food and bacteria with your toothbrush. Flossing can help you to get in between all of your teeth, which means that you will have less cavities.

When you want to eat something between meals, try to avoid sugary snacks. These will just leave your teeth open to cavities and decay. Instead, have fruit or vegetables, or even whole grain carbohydrates. These are better for your overall health as well as your dental situation, but don't forget to brush after!

Do you tend to grind your teeth? Do your best to get rid of this habit. Avoid eating hard foods, chew some gum and relax as much as you can. If you grind your teeth at night, it is best to wear a mouth guard until this bad habit goes away.

Clearly, there is a great deal you can do to maintain your own excellent dental health. When you take the time to choose your dental hygiene products with care and use them properly it will go a long way toward helping you maintain your overall health. Remember to brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist at least once a year for great dental health.