From earliest times people have tried to keep their teeth clean.
Why they felt this was important may not be clear, since they lacked the knowledge we have today about dental health and its potential to affect the general health and well-being of a person.
In any case, we know that they chewed twigs until they were soft enough to function as little brushes that they could then rub against their teeth.
Our ancestors also used chew sticks, feathers, porcupine quills, and animal bones.
We've come a long way since those early days, but, unfortunately, poor dental care still results in one third of all tooth loss in America.
Regardless of what part of the country you call home, Detroit, Denver, or Dallas, plaque and tartar are at work destroying teeth and gums at an alarming rate.
Cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease all have their origin in poor dental health care.
Your dentist wants to see you at least twice a year for a good cleaning.
This will involve scaling your teeth, debridement if tartar has built up, polishing them for a nice look and feel, and a fluoride treatment to prevent the beginning and growth of cavities.
In addition to his good care there are several things you can do at home to keep your mouth healthy and clean.
We all know that we should brush our teeth at least twice a day.
A third time after lunch is also permissible, but no more.
We have also been told we need to floss to get plaque and food particles from between the teeth.
More recently, dentists are suggesting that for good dental health, we should try interdental brushing instead of flossing.
These little brushes are not as hard on the gums and move easily between the teeth.
You should use them before you do your actual tooth brushing so that any debris will be moved totally away from your teeth.
Some dentists also recommend gently massaging your gums with the bristles of your very soft toothbrush.
Oral irrigation continues to be a great supplement to good dental health.
Shooting a stream of water into the mouth will drive it deeper into the gum line than flossing can go.
The stream is powerful enough to remove plaque and tartar, and your gums get that massaging that is so good for them.
Today there are many excellent dental aides to keeping your teeth and gums in their best possible condition.
We no longer need to rely on twigs, and I, for one, am very grateful.