If you can get in the habit of practicing these quick tips, you’ll be on your way to excellent dental wellness.

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush when brushing your teeth in order to protect your gum line. To further soften your bristles, run them under hot water before brushing. Hard bristles can do more harm than good, often causing micro-tears in the sensitive gum line. An electric Waterpik, such as Sonic Care, can also be effective.

Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial agent. A good holistic dentist will have many of these agents available for you; Tooth Tonic is one of the agents we recommend. Bacteria grow on foods that can easily be trapped between teeth. Letting that bacteria sit there causes rapid decay.

Scheduling a dental check-up at least every six months and having your teeth professionally cleaned is critical to maintaining good oral hygiene.

See your dentist immediately if you have any of the warning signs of periodontal (gum-related) disease:

• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Gums that are red, swollen or tender
• Gums that have pulled away (receded) from teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums when gums are pressed
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Teeth that are loose or separating
• Changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

The earlier that periodontal disease is detected, the better chance you have of saving your teeth.

Source: Golden Dental Wellness. Location: 444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhasset. For more information, call 516-627-8400, email [email protected] or visit GoldenSmile.com.