As children we are often told to do things for reasons we don’t understand. Brushing and flossing – basic dental hygiene – are some of those things. It’s cavities we are

worried about then. No one mentions that healthy gums and teeth are directly connected to a healthy heart. So, coming into adulthood we are sometimes unsure of what we

hear, but the facts are there: If you take care of your smile, you are taking care of your heart.

A poorly taken care of mouth is laden with plaque (the gummy white stuff which forms between the teeth and along the gums) and is essentially a mouth full of bacteria that

is ingested every time you swallow. Streptococcus sanguis

is found in the saliva, and studies have shown a connection between this bacteria and coronary heart disease.

Mouths not regularly cleaned will be higher in the amount this bacteria and offer a higher risk of developing heart problems.

But keeping ahead of the danger is easy.

Flossing regularly is one of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease and keep your smile strong and bright. And while the advances in oral hygiene tools abound in

pharmacy stores, flossing and brushing the old fashioned way is still the most effective.

Brushing often. Most of us don’t carry a toothbrush around, so finding time to brush in the middle of the day can be hard. If you can’t find the time throughout the day, try chewing some sugar-free gum after a meal. Also, when you do get brushing, don’t rush through it. Take the time to floss, and then brush – enjoy the ritual knowing that everything is connected and this little step can add healthy years to your life.

Some advantages to using a dentist directory include the ability to read reviews on local dentists, learn about their experience, their qualifications, their areas of practice, their rates, their policies on sedation, and whether or not they accept your insurance. Here are a few other useful tips to help you find a dentist:

-Look for dentist practices that specialize in more than one area of dentistry. In other words, choose a practice that does more than just clean teeth. Some dentists provide various cosmetic procedures, including making dentures; fitting mouth guards for athletes; filling your cavities; whitening your teeth; making bite guards if you grind your teeth; fitting you with veneers, crowns, bridges or implants to replace missing teeth; or performing root canals. If you find a dentist or multiple-dentist practice that specializes in all types of dentistry, you will never have to go anywhere else for a crown, cap, filling, implant, or even cosmetic procedures if you’re lucky.

-Find a dentist with a good educational background and membership in reputable dental associations. Do not feel uncomfortable asking your dentist if she or he is a member of any professional dental associations, as this shows that they have an interest in continuing education and staying on top of new dental techniques and technology.

-Look for convenience and affordability. What good is having a dentist if their hours of business are inconvenient, their office is all the way across town, or if you can’t seem to ever get an appointment with them? These days, many dentist offices provide online appointment scheduling so that you can request your appointment times. If you’re one of those really busy types, something like this might be a perk for you.

When visiting a dentist for the first time, you should receive a comprehensive dental examination. Your dentist should check the health of your teeth during your dental exam, as well as take x-rays, review your dental history, make recommendations for procedures based on the health of your teeth and gums, and ask about your interest in cosmetic dental procedures. No matter where you go, if these matters aren’t addressed during a thorough first visit, you might want to go somewhere else.