I am one of the unlucky ones.

I brush and floss after every meal. I've used a fluoride mouthwash twice a day for the last fifteen years. I still get cavities. At the tender age of 26, I've had 2 abscesses, 4 teeth pulled, 2 root canals, and 3 crowns. I've got a cavity waiting for a new filling right now, and four other "spots" that my dentist is watching.

I am very unlucky.

Unfortunately, the "rotten tooth" gene runs in my family, and as carefully as I take care of them, my teeth are slowly defeating me.

It's frustrating, but I continue with the habits I developed years ago.

I think everyone understands that brushing is important. Most people don't have any qualms with brushing as often as they're supposed to, though few brush as thoroughly as dentists recommend. Make sure to brush along the gum line, angling the brush up slightly so the bristles can maneuver between teeth and get to particles that get caught under the gums. Two minutes is recommended, but a good brushing of every tooth can be accomplished in less than that. Being thorough is the key.

Flossing is a hard sell. People smile and nod at their dentists and swear up and down that they floss every day. Trust me, the dentist can see right through this lie. The best advice ever given to me was from a dental hygienist who happened to be the mother of a good friend of mine. I was in high school, and my teeth weren't exactly my priority. She asked if I had a boyfriend, which isn't a question that's expected while you're sitting in the dentist's fancy chair. Then she told me that next time I flossed-really, really flossed (which should be soon, by the way)-I should smell the floss. That's right. Smell it. You'll find out where that breath is coming from...you know, that I-just-woke-up-and-I-feel-like -something-died-in-my-mouth-br eath...Yeah. It won me over for life. I floss after every meal, religiously. Try it.

Finally, wash your mouth. There are many brands, flavors, and styles of mouthwash out there these days. They aren't all the alcohol based "burn your mouth off" kinds of the past. Even the alcohol-free brands will rid your mouth of more germs than rinsing with nothing. Buy small bottles and test them out first. Find one you're comfortable with and will, most importantly, use every day.

Brush. Floss. (Really floss.) Rinse.
Repeat (at least) twice daily.
Have a healthy mouth.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Stilley.
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