Many people pay insufficient attention to oral care. This is probably partly because good oral hygiene takes effort; it is something we have to commit time to every day, and we are often short of time. Doubtless, the high cost of dentistry plays a role in people neglecting their teeth and gums as well. It may also be because our mouths are not as visible as other things, like hair and skin; if you keep your mouth shut, no one will ever know if you have rotten teeth and bad breath. Unfortunately, it impossible to keep your mouth shut all the time - sooner or later, bad breath will out.

Even though many of us can't afford the level of professional dentistry we'd like, the individual can do a lot to contribute to good oral care. Daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh. If you visit the dentist even once a year for a cleaning, you will often be given a free toothbrush and a package of dental floss to keep you going. And you will be informed about the state of your oral care and whether any problems are on the horizon.

A good mouthwash may be a part of your oral care routine, particularly if you have occasional or chronic bad breath. Be sure to use a product that reduces oral bacteria that cause bad breath, rather than just using something to temporarily mask the smell. Many mouthwashes also help to reduce the buildup of plaque on the teeth, and fight gum disease. One of these mouthwashes would be a good purchase if you feel you can't see your dentist as often as you'd like. Use it according to the package directions.

Food particles left lodged between teeth and in pockets and grooves in the oral cavity, and mineral deposits allowed to build up on tooth surfaces, lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Sugary foods in the diet, use of tobacco products, and other habits can contribute to these conditions. There's no doubt that a good program of oral care to minimize these factors is worth the extra effort - the old adage is true: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Oral Care, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.