If you have ever dreamed that all of your teeth fell right out of your head, then you know how wonderful it is to wake up and find them still in place.
However, that feeling that they might be loose - or gone - stays with you for the rest of the day, and sometimes many days.
In fact, I have made dentist appointments simply because of such a dream because I wanted to hear from the dentist that my teeth were still firmly fixed in my mouth.
I know what you're thinking: "Obsessive much?" Okay, so I know I might sound a little crazy about my teeth, but gum disease is a really scary thing.
It not only can destroy your teeth, but it is dangerous for your jaw and even exacerbates your risk for some types of cancer.
So instead of waiting for a nasty dream to frighten your teeth right out of your head, take some simple, natural steps to keep your gums healthy right from the start.
1.
Floss, Floss, Floss.
You've heard it before, and we all hate to do it, but flossing your teeth is key.
Flossing is just plain the only wait to get plaque and tartar out from between your teeth, and if that stuff is allowed to build up it will erode your gums away just like waves and wind erode a sand dune.
2.
Get a good mouth rinse.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses are best for preventing gum disease because they kill off the bacteria that live in the stuff that is stuck on and between your teeth.
Use it every time you brush to take an extra swing at gum disease.
3.
Make sure you are getting the right amount of omega 3 fatty acids.
According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, gum disease is far less prevalent among people who have higher intakes of omega 3 fatty acids, essential nutrients found in salmon oil.
Take a daily omega 3 fish oil supplement to help fortify your oral health from the inside.
Once your teeth are gone, you can never get them back.
Do not let neglecting easy, simple steps like these prevent you from enjoying good oral health for your entire life!