Taking care of your oral health is extremely important to ensure that you prevent certain problems, such as gum disease, bad breath, or oral cancer. In order to prevent these things, not only do you want to visit your dentist on a regular basis, but you also want to take your own precautions at home. Here are four lesser known dental tips that everyone should know:

1. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum with xylitol is a great way to prevent cavities. This is because xylitol prevents bacteria that creates acid in the mouth. Acid is what causes cavities to form in the first place. Chewing sugar-free gum with this ingredient after eating or drinking anything with lots of sugar is a great way to prevent the sugar from turning into acid in your mouth. 
2. Brush the Right Way: One mistake people make is not brushing their teeth in the right way. Teeth are sensitive and should be brushed in a way that keeps them strong and healthy. Brushing in a circular motion is the best way to brush food and other particles away from the gums. You will also want to be brushing with a soft bristled brush. If you are brushing with a brush that has too hard of bristles, it can lead to you potentially destroying your tooth enamel. 
3. Avoid Foods with High Acid: Food with high acid content should be avoided at all costs. This is because acid eats away at the enamel of the teeth, which leads to teeth becoming sensitive and difficult to live with. Sour candy is one type of food that should be avoided for this reason because of its high amount of acidity and sugar content. 
4. Drink More Water: Staying hydrated is important because it ensures that you are able to continue to produce a good amount of saliva. Without enough saliva in the mouth, it can prevent bacteria from easily being washed away. Dry mouth is something that you don't want to have to live with because it leaves your mouth more susceptible to developing cavities. Always be sure to stay hydrated and drink enough water before bed to ensure that saliva production continues even in your sleep. 

By knowing some of these lesser known dental tips, you can be sure that you stay on top of your dental health and prevent many major problems with your oral health. If you have any questions about what else you can do to maintain your oral health, contact a local dentistry, such as the Dental Clinic Of Onalaska.