Clean up your mouth...and I'm not just talking about your language~

I am a self-proclaimed dentist scardy-cat. I had a bad experience at the dentist at a very early age and from that point to now I have been completely terrified of going to the dentist. Unfortunately, that fear has caused me some serious dental woes. In 2007, while I was losing weight and getting in shape, I was also busy getting my mouth in tip-top shape. I was blessed to find a hilarious Italian dentist who is a magician with dental tools. The guy did a filling on me without numbing me! True story; it was my 2nd wedding anniversary and I didn't want my mouth numb when my husband took me to dinner. Dr. Thomas Mannino DDS is amazing with his craft. If you're interested in visiting him drop me a line and I'll give you his office number to make an appointment!
Flash forward to 2008 after 2 extractions, 2 root canals, 4 fillings and a crown, my mouth was finally "stable". Meaning, I can now go to the dentist without him finishing a dental nightmare that he couldn't complete at my last appointment. My cleanings now take 5-10 minutes! I don't like being there as it is so the less work the hygenist has to do the better. Let me get in and get the heck outta there! I have added a few tools to my dental routine that keep the cavities at bay.

The Rinse(s)

I now use a pre & post rinse in addition to brushing. Dr. Mannino reccomends the purple Listerine rinse because of it's flouride. I personally think it tastes way better than the others so I happily swish the germs away! I love the pre-rinse with whitening, it keeps my teeth looking vibrant. To anyone who thinks the white strips are a gimmick, I'm a witness that the Crest white strips work! Buying them from a dentist is more expensive but the peroxide level is higher than the over-the-counter strips hence whiter teeth.Of course my awesome dentist told me that too! I used the strips once in 2008 and again in early 2010 and my teeth are bright as can be. I have noticed a bit of sensitivity in my teeth after the whitening. It is a side effect of the strips sometimes. Just thought I'd put that out there cuz it ain't like the commercials are gonna say anything.

Floss~

The biggest tool to help reduce the cavity creeps from tearing your teeth apart. I use the regular floss in the AM & PM and I use floss pics during the day and when I have down time. Yup, I'll be watching TV with a floss pick doing my thing. Don't laugh, them picks are the reason why the last time I had my teeth cleaned it took less than 10 minutes! You can get these babies at the $1 store, this is one of those products that works just as well no matter how much or how little you pay.

People, dental problems can trickle down and affect other areas of your body. Make an appointment to get your teeth cleaned and get a thorough x-ray of your teeth. DO NOT assume that because your mouth doesn't hurt that you're teeth are healthy. If you're tossing back Orajel like it's a part of your daily recommended diet, you need to get to a dentist and handle your business. Also, I learned that some recent studies show brushing directly after eating is not as healthy as you may think. It's actually best to floss and rinse your mouth with clear water. If you just HAVE to brush, you should wait at least 30 minutes.I read that somewhere so this is DEZ talking and not my dentist. 
What are you waiting for? Get to a dentist TODAY. Brushing is beautiful.