Here are some things you can do to make sure your mouth stays healthy as can be.

• Close your mouth when swimming in a pool because chlorine can wear down enamel.
• Green tea contains antiseptic properties, which can help keep your gums healthy.
• Drinking water after every meal helps wash out some of the residue from sticky and acidic foods and beverages.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year. In addition to a thorough exam and cleaning, they can spot potential issues and offer treatment before it becomes a serious issue.

We have some great tips for your daily routine!

• Brush your teeth twice per day and always brush before going to bed. This rids the mouth of the plaque and germs that accumulate during the day.
• Be sure to floss daily. If you don’t, you’re missing approximately 40% of the surfaces of your teeth.
• Don’t forget your tongue! Brush your tongue with a toothbrush or scraper to remove the plaque that builds up on it.
• Rinse your mouth after brushing. Swishing with water or mouthwash will help clear tidbits of toothpaste and food that even brushing and flossing can miss.

• Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves, can occur when bacteria and germs from other parts of your body, such as your mouth, spread through the bloodstream.
• Some research suggests that cardiovascular disease might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
• Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
• Other conditions can affect your oral health, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to pay extra attention to oral care.

Here are some fun facts about the history of dental hygiene.

• In 1723, Pierre Fauchard, a French surgeon known as the Father of Modern Dentistry, released his significant work, "The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth." This publication introduced a comprehensive framework for the maintenance and treatment of teeth, setting a strong foundation for the field of dentistry as we know it today.
• In the mid-19th century, dentures were made of ivory, hippopotamus or human bone, or metals like brass or lead. Then, starting in 1851, they were replaced by vulcanized rubber, which was created by hardening the resin of the rubber tree.
• In 1868, the modern dental drills made its debut thanks to George F. Green, an American dentist, who invented the foot pedal-operated pneumatic drill. Fast forward seven years, and he snagged a patent for the electric drill, marking a significant leap forward in dental technology.
• Fluoride began in 1901 when Frederick McKay, fresh out of dental school, opened his clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was puzzled by the abundance of patients sporting brown stains on their teeth, which prompted him to team up with dental researcher Dr. G.V. Black. Together, they delved into research that eventually shed light on fluoride's preventive powers.