I am often asked by patients and friends to recommend dental products. With so many choices in the pharmacy, grocery store, and online, it’s no wonder people are confused.

The mouth is the most contaminated part of the human body. Billions of microorganisms from more than 400 different species live in the mouths of every adult. Preventative care is the most effective, common sense way to improve health. Here are some general guidelines for selecting the perfect toothbrush.

Finding a quality, effective toothpaste that you like can be a challenge. I am a big proponent of fluoride, so look for products with it. Fluoride strengthens enamel and is important in fighting decay. If you are prone to cavities, you may even need prescription strength toothpaste like Prevident. Ask your dentist. I tell people to stay away from the whitening products, they are generally not very effective and often cause sensitivity.

One of the most common questions dental patients want to know is how often they should brush their teeth. Many people have formed a habit of brushing once a day, usually in the morning, and often after breakfast, to help them have fresher breath during the day. However, tooth brushing is about more than avoiding embarrassment from bad breath at the office or at school—it’s about keeping your teeth healthy and reducing your risk for cavities and gum disease. So how often should you brush your teeth daily to maintain the best dental health?

For many of us, flossing is little more than an annoying practice the dentist nags us to do. It’s not fun, it’s easy to forget, and because there’s no instant gratification to doing it, we often just don’t see the point. However, if you’re willing to add a couple of minutes to your daily brushing routine, flossing can pay off in long-term benefits to your dental health. Let’s look at 6 health benefits that daily flossing provides.

The anxiety that comes with going to the dentist can be debilitating. Millions of people don’t go to the dentist regularly and some avoid the dentist altogether because of fear. Often times, this is because of a bad experience from childhood but it can have many other origins. As the fear grows, many will only see the dentist when pain begins or teeth break. This can become a dangerous cycle.

Thankfully, modern dentistry has come a long way to help dental phobics.