Good oral hygiene starts long before you sit in the dentist's chair. Brushing twice a day for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing daily remove the plaque that causes cavities and gum disease.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals, and if you do have them, try to follow with a glass of water. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help stimulate saliva, which naturally protects your teeth.
Even with a great home routine, a professional cleaning every six months catches early issues that aren't visible or painful yet — which is exactly when they're easiest and cheapest to treat.
