Q: What does "good oral hygiene" really mean?
A: The phrase "good oral hygiene" refers to the three things you should do to take care of your teeth: 1) brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily; 2) eat a well-balanced low sugar diet; and 3) visit the dentist on a regular basis. These behaviours help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease and can keep your breath fresh. They will not only save your teeth — but will save you money too.

Q: What should a parent know about oral health for children?
A: The first thing to keep in mind is that good oral health starts from day one. Even when a child doesn't have teeth, it's still important to care for an infant's gums by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth or gauze after every feeding. Once the teeth come up, brushing should start.
Take your child to the dentist on his or her first birthday. Brush baby teeth with just a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Taking care of baby teeth is more important than you might think; it helps keep tooth decay at bay and ensures that permanent teeth grow in properly. Teach your child to brush properly —but until the age of 6 you must help them — and help out with flossing, if necessary. Regular dental visits are crucial. So, make sure you bring your little ones to the dentist at least every six to twelve months. And finally, a healthy, balanced diet is not only good for their bodies but good for their teeth. Make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water and milk, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits and minimizing the amount and frequency of candy and other sugar-laden goodies.

Q: Should I use mouthwash?
A: Mouthwash has become an integral part of the oral hygiene regimen. Using mouthwash can be a great way to freshen your breath, especially after eating a meal filled with odoriffic garlic and onions. These days, mouthwashes may help out with your oral hygiene in other ways too: rebuilding your enamel, fighting plaque and even protecting against gingivitis.