Many people have been taking for granted the health of their teeth and mouth. The teeth and mouth are vital parts in our body. The teeth and mouth requires dental care that is regular cleaning and maintenance. The teeth requires to be brushed regularly to remove bacteria and food in the mouth. If the bacteria is left to build up, it forms acid from the sugars in food and the acid eats up the enamel to form a tooth cavity. The food will also decompose and start producing a foul smell and hence you will have a bad breath. The tooth brush should have soft bristles so as not to injure the gum, tongue or mouth. The gum infection can result into painful sores that appear oval or round and are swollen that develop in the mouth. The sores are caused when you injure your mouth by either accidentally biting or by hard toothbrush bristles. Mouth ulcers usually go away with time, but if it persists you need to seek medical attention. Regular flossing is required for a healthy mouth. Flossing helps reach the bacteria hiding between the teeth that the bristles could not reach. Flossing requires about 20 inches of floss string. Wrap the string around the middle finger and hold it between the index finger and the thumb. Gently slide it down between the teeth until it reaches the gum and remove the bacteria. If you do not brush and floss your teeth to remove the bacteria, it builds up and irritates the gum making it to bleed, sore and swollen. Bacteria that is not removed hardens and forms tartar which brushing cannot remove but it can be removed by professional cleaning by a dentist. Visiting a dentist for regular examination will help remove the harmful bacteria, clean and examine your teeth. The dentist can also provide dental sealants which will help to cover the surface of the molars where the bacteria may not be able to reach and hide. The dentist will be able to detect and treat any tooth infection before it reaches a critical stage. Saliva is helpful in moistening the mouth, washing away the bacteria and neutralizing the acidic effect of the bacteria. Smoking of tobacco reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth and causes staining of the teeth. Since smoking reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, it facilitates the acidic effect of the bacteria on the teeth causing tooth cavity. Chewing can help stimulate production of saliva and help minimize the acidic effect of the bacteria and also generate minerals that the enamel losses during an acid attack. It is advisable to chew gums with little or no sugars as the sugars provide the bacteria with energy and enables the bacteria to form acid. Dental care requires regular brushing and flossing, and dental checkups. There is need to maintain your oral hygiene for a healthy mouth and fresh breath. It requires your determination and effort to keep your teeth clean and healthy.