It's really important to have good oral health habits because a dental problem may have more negative consequences than you can ever imagine! If you really don't take care of your teeth, it won't be long before cavities and unhealthy gums make your mouth very, very sore resulting in difficulty while having Eating meals. You won't feel like smiling much either.

Some Precautions that are vital for maintaining healthy teeth for a healthy life...

1. Understand that when you brush, you don't need a lot of toothpaste; just squeeze out a bit the size of a pea.

2. Replace your toothbrush every three months.

3. Spend extra time on the back teeth along the gum-line, holding the bristles at a 45 degree angle pointing toward the gums, as plaque and other bacteria can build up easily there because of your saliva stream.

4. Everyone has millions of bacteria living in their mouths that have one goal: find a hard surface to stick to and grow into a community. This happens rapidly and automatically, whether we know it or not, twenty-four hours a day, and three hundred and sixty-five days a year. It cannot be avoided because our bacteria are part of us and present whether we like it or not. Once they attach themselves to a tooth surface, they form what is called "plaque" - the invisible film that coats your teeth. You have probably felt this 'fuzzy sweater' feeling on your teeth when you wake up in the morning and run your tongue along the outside of the upper back teeth next to your cheek. Taking care of your teeth involves disrupting the plaque by means of physical contact with dental floss and toothbrush bristles.

5. Use a thorough, effective technique with a slow circular motion aimed AT and BELOW the gum line, inside and out, top and bottom. Brushing too hard may abrade your gums or cause them to recede and/or bleed, while brushing too soft will do nothing to get rid of plaque/bio film.

6. Floss your teeth before brushing. This is so that plaque from the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth gets dislodged too be killed when you brush.

7. Aim the bristles toward the gum line and brush the insides and outsides of your teeth in a small circular motion.

8. Use a linear motion to brush the top sides of your teeth (chewing surfaces).

9. When brushing the back sides of your front teeth, hold the toothbrush upright (vertical) and move it up and down along each individual tooth - both lower and upper arches. Repeat several times for each tooth.

10. Use mouth wash after brushing.

11. Chewing gum between meals, especially if the gum is sweetened with xylitol, helps keep your mouth moist, and your teeth cleaner, both of which are good for your teeth.

12. Get into the habit of drinking with a straw, as this directs the (possibly sugary) drink away from your teeth.

13. If you smoke, you will be more prone to bad breath, gum infection and bone loss. Also, it prevents you from experiencing the real taste of food and drinks.

14. Don't forget to brush the back of your tongue and the upper palate of your mouth.

15. When you use mouthwash, use as directed on the bottle, read all instructions BEFORE using the product.

16. New prescription toothpastes are now available that can actually reverse early lesions (cavities) by re mineralization and also bring added protection to those areas on the verge of breaking down. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about these products... they are a major breakthrough in preventing decay!

17. Bulimia can wreak havoc on your teeth, causing irreversible damage from the strong acid in your stomach that comes back up into the mouth while regurgitating. When you have a check up at the dentist, this destruction is clearly visible to them.

18. Try and drink milk, as it is high in calcium. Calcium helps bones and teeth to grow stronger.

Some Warnings that should be kept in mind for healthy teeth and a healthy life...

1. Don't swallow toothpaste. Be sure to rinse and spit after brushing.

2. Less is more. Don't floss, brush teeth, or scrape tongue too roughly. Over-brushing or rough flossing can cause gums to recede.

3. Some toothpaste is not recommended to be used daily if they are too strong - check the label of your toothpaste for details.

4. Never brush your teeth right after a big meal. Wait about a half an hour and then go. Otherwise, you could damage your enamel!

5. Don't swallow mouth wash.

6. After having an especially sugary drink, washing your mouth out with water or milk will help get rid of harmful acids.

7. Don't use a brush with firm bristles, as this will scratch away at the protective layer that coats your teeth.

8. Don't wear mouth piercings. It produce micro-fractures in your teeth that might break your dental pieces.

9. Don't cut strands with your teeth because it will conduct eventually to extreme sensitivity.

10. Avoid biting objects/nails. It might cause tiny fissures and/or cracks in your teeth.

11. Don't chew gum constantly. IT will lead to articular problems and tooth cavities.

12. Avoid using toothpicks. They lead to gum disease.

13. Don't take drugs not prescribed by a dentist. Some drugs work causing friction with your gums which conducts to gum irritation and inflammation.

(AW: Samrat Biswas)