The Importance of Oral Hygiene and Preventive Care
With the increase in the number of dental problems among people around, oral hygiene has been gaining enormous importance. Many of us are eager to understand the fundamentals involved in oral hygiene and preventive care which in turn can help us in keeping the painful and expensive dental problems for long. What is Oral Hygiene? Oral hygiene refers to the adherence of hygienic habits as a routine or on a daily basis which would in turn aid in keeping the gums and teeth healthy for long. The healthy teeth and gums help us feel good since they enable us to speak and eat properly. Attractive aesthetic appearance is yet another advantage associated with oral hygiene. Since oral hygiene has proven to be very vital in the arena of dentistry, it is critical to understand the basic steps that can help anyone in having healthy teeth and gums for long. These steps constitute: 
Brushing the teeth twice a day or after every time you eat.
Flossing teeth daily using dental products prescribed by the American Dental Association.
Using fluoride containing toothpaste for tooth brushing and flossing.
Using fluoride mouthwash and drinking fluoridated water as per the advice of your general/cosmetic dentist or dental hygienist.
Scheduling at least 2 annual visits with a dentist or dental hygienist to discuss the impending dental problems and possible resolutions.
Preventive Care Preventive care proves to be handy in offering dental treatment for likely or possible dental problems on time. Just adhering to the oral hygienic practices does not always ensure remarkable and healthy teeth. In spite of adherence to oral hygienic practices, there is every chance that one might develop plaque or tartar on the surface of the teeth and between teeth on the gum line. The periodical removal of plaque is important to avoid tooth decay. The teeth, when subjected to wear and tear are likely to suffer from cracks, chips and discoloration. Such problems can only be overcome with the aid of preventive care, which involves the regular visit to a general/cosmetic dentist or a dental hygienist. Preventive care also helps in resolving problems like bleeding of the gums during brushing without paving the way for secondary complications. The periodical visits not only help in getting a heads up of the possible dental problems, but also provide on-time and affordable solutions to the impending problems. They might also help with keeping the crowns, fillings, painful teeth extractions, veneers and bridges.