Going to the dentist can be expensive, but avoiding the dentist could result in losing your teeth and developing gum disease. These tips can help you learn how to prevent dental problems as well as how to keep your mouth healthy.

1. Brush Your Teeth - Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay.

2. Floss Your Teeth - Flossing your teeth daily helps to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach. A build up of plaque in between your teeth can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

3. Get Regular Dental Cleanings - Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent and detect many dental problems and diseases as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

4. Get Your Cavities filled - If you have cavities, get them filled! Tooth decay does not go away on its own, it will only get worse. If the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal would most likely be needed to save the tooth.

5. Eat a Well Balanced Diet - Plague thrives on the starches and sugars that are found in most junk food. When plaque combines with the sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks tooth enamel and eventually causes decay. Eating a nutritious diet can help promote better dental health.

6. Avoid Toothaches - There is almost nothing worse that a toothache. Regular visits to your dentist can keep your mouth healthy as well as prevent toothaches before they happen.

7. Prevent Bad Breath - Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but it is a common condition that affects millions of people. Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame.