Introduction
Sharks. Earthquakes. --Dental visits. All can provoke fear. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy fear of sharks. And it can’t hurt to avoid vacationing along the San Andreas Fault. But if you put off going to the dentist–or avoid it altogether–your teeth could be in for big trouble: Cavities; infections; gum disease; loose, wobbly teeth; and other serious dental problems can be avoided with regular professional dental care.
What’s more, you can minimize these problems–and prevent uncomfortable, expensive dental work–if you take care of your teeth on a daily basis. You already know you should brush and floss. But did you know that some mouthwashes can help prevent serious gum disease and keep your teeth from falling out? Or that eating certain foods, like cheese or peanut butter, can help protect your teeth against cavity-forming bacteria?
This chapter tells you about a few simple no-fuss techniques you can use to keep your teeth and gums strong for a long, long time.
