Prevention of gum disease involves methods to control and prevent the amount of tartar and plaque build-up on the teeth. These steps include proper dental hygiene, good nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices and regular visits to the dentist.

Proper dental hygiene: Brushing your teeth well at least twice a day, helps keep plaque and tartar build-up at bay. You should preferably use soft-bristled toothbrushes as they are less abrasive and make sure the bristles are in good condition. Make it a habit to change your toothbrush every three months.

Good nutrition: Eating a wide variety of foods from the different food groups, such fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, poultry, meat, fish, cereals and grain will ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Healthy lifestyle choices: Starches as well as sugary foods and drinks cause more harm to the teeth when they are eaten in-between meals. Also foods that stick to your teeth or tend to stay in the mouth for a longer period of time, such as jellybeans, caramels, mints and hard candies cause prolonged and continuous attacks on the teeth and should be avoided.

Regular visits to the dentist: Dentists and dental hygienists are vital in helping prevent any kind of dental decay or gum erosion. Regular check-ups stop tooth and gum decay from progressing further. The dentist can offer helpful advice depending on the health of your teeth and gums. Scaling and polishing of the teeth can help remove tartar that is hardened and cannot be removed by mere brushing and flossing.

Orthodontic treatment is typically a long-term commitment – and a costly one. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your orthodontist, so it’s imperative you make the right choice in choosing a top quality orthodontist and avoid costly do-overs.Read on to learn how to choose an orthodontist. Here are simple tips to get the top orthodontics treatment that fits your individual situation.

1. Your orthodontic treatment should be done by an orthodontist. Any dentist can apply braces, but an orthodontist has not only gone to dental school, he has also gone for at least another 2 years to acquire additional skills, training and clinical experience in the specialized field of orthodontics.

2. Verify your prospective orthodontist’s credentials. Is he licensed by the American Association of Orthodontists? AAO members are screened to make sure they are well qualified and must follow high ethical standards.

3. Find out how long your potential orthodontist has been in practice. A well-established practice means a lot of successful outcomes and satisfied patients.

4. Your orthodontist should be current on the latest options and techniques. Does he keep up with the current research and treatment techniques? There are both tried-and-true techniques and many new ones: invisible or colored braces, as well as alternatives to braces, such as porcelain veneers.

Your general dentist might suggest a particular orthodontist he has worked with in the past. While his recommendation is a valuable one, you needn’t limit yourself to one choice. You should consult 2 or 3 potential orthodontists. Not only is this is an excellent way to get a second opinion, it gives you a chance to ask to see before-and-after photos of successful outcomes.