But you knew that. Good oral hygiene is a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means that your teeth are clean and free of germs, your gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss and you are not constantly plagued by bad breath. Simple steps that you can take to maintain good oral health at home are: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, using toothpaste and other dental products that contain fluoride, use mouthwash (preferably without alcohol to prevent dry mouth) to help keep breath fresh and help reduce bacteria. Finally, make sure to visit your dentist regularly so you can screen for issues not visible to your naked eye.

Kinda gross, but if you're checking, give yourself points. Bad breath can be the result of some underlying dental or health problem so it is best to rule it out. Bad breath can also come from a sinus infection, diabetes, acid reflux or liver problems. Proper oral health care is the best way to get bad breath under control.

The answer is all or any of the above. Congratulation, you're thinking about oral fitness. However, if bad breath is persistent and affecting your life, go see your dentist to make sure there isn't another underlying problem or health issue.

Bonus points for you because who other than Bugs Bunny can live by carrots alone? Sticky foods, even granola bars, and sweets are the worst foods for your teeth. Lollipops, caramels, and even cough drops that contain refined sugar all get the thumbs down when it comes to taking care of your pearly whites.  Side note: Carbonated soft drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. Besides, most soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids that wear away tooth enamel.

The average adult needs only 32 grams of sugar per day. And tooth decay thrives in an environment of sugar and acid, of which most sodas are packed with. Don't get me started on energy drinks. Sports drinks can cause serious damage to your teeth -putting you at a much higher risk for cavities and tooth decay. Studies have found sports drinks contain so much acid that they start destroying teeth after only five days of consistent use.

Truth is, you should replace your toothbrush about every 3 to 4 months, or when it shows signs of wear. Frayed bristles will not clean the teeth and gums adequately. Toss toothbrushes after illness. Throw away a brush you or anyone in your home used while sick. Sharing a toothbrush with an, ahem, overnight guest. That I cant help you with.

While you may not enjoy life on water alone, know that anything other than that can cause a negative effect. Energy drinks are high in sugar, and acidity, which means they attack your tooth enamel. The sugar and acid in these soda and other carbonated drinks wreak havoc on your teeth. Even though citrus juice, such as orange or grapefruit, can be good for you in other areas of your body,the acidity in the mix can permanently damage your tooth enamel. Alcohol may have sugars in it, or reduce saliva production in your mouth, affecting your dental health. Water is the best choice! Always check the sugar content in other drinks and remember that less is more!

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, rinsing it off and inserting it immediately back into the socket is the best way to contend with this kind of trauma. Get to a dental professional. ASAP.

Only you can prevent forest fires! Evidence shows that chewing sugarless gum can prevent tooth decay. Another not so fun fact: breathing through your mouth can dry out the helpful saliva, which keeps your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. So runners beware: no mouth breathing. As for oral sex, we can't comment on that.

No one is perfect but "A" is exceptional, especially if you have no fillings. The fact is 92% of adults over the age of 20 have some sort of dental caries or cavities in their permanent teeth. Want bragging rights? Less is obviously more.

Pink should be the favourite colour here. Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen. The first sign of gum disease to be aware of is blood on your toothbrush or in your rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, which leaves a bad taste in your mouth. If your breath has become unpleasant, this may also be a sign.