This is a sponsored post and I was compensated. However, all opinions are mine. When I was younger, I was lazy with my oral health. I didn’t brush twice a day and I certainly didn’t floss. Because gum disease runs in my family, I should have been more vigilant with my dental routine. Keeping your gums healthy should be the basis for all your oral health care. How to reduce your risk for gingivitis and gum disease can be easy. Take the following steps and you’re off to a great start on taking care of your mouth and teeth.

• Get regular checkups with your dentist. It is recommended you do this twice a year.
• Brush your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget your tongue!
• Floss daily. I love to use the Plackers Micro Mint Flossers. It makes flossing so much easier!
• Use antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash to kill bacteria
• Avoid cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. I didn’t know this, but smoking is a main risk factor for periodontal disease.
• Take Vitamin B12, but check with your doctor before you do!
• Eat a balanced diet. Limit between-meal snacks and be sure to brush and floss after every meal. Also drink lots of water to help increase saliva and flush away plaque.

I have been using the Plackers Flossers for years. They sells for $4 for a pack of 90 flossers and are made with Super TuFloss that won’t shred, snap, or stretch. They also come in an enjoyable cool mint flavor that will give your mouth an immediate fresh feeling. These are great to use even when brushing isn’t an option. I keep a pack in the car, my purse, in the bathroom and in each of our nightstands. It is the only way I can get my kids to brush!

An in my opinions,  good oral health doesn’t end with your gums. Keeping your teeth healthy and white is also important. I have been drinking tea and coffee for more than 20 years and my teeth show it. I have also been a smoker, and that stained my teeth as well. I have been a bit embarrassed about my not so pearly whites. I love the teeth whitening products from Rembrandt. Rembrandt offers a 1-week teeth whitening kit, which sells for $25. It packs 2 weeks of whitening power into 1. It uses the same ingredients that dentists use without having to get an appointment.

Each strip fits as if it were custom made for your mouth thanks to special StayPut technology. If you don’t need a full whitening kit Rembrandt also offers a 3-day boost kit. It uses the same StayPut technology and enamel-safe ingredients and sells for just $6.99. It gives you a whitening boost without a trip to the dentist. I have been so sick with my stomach virus that I haven’t been able to try the Rembrandt products yet. I am so anxious to try them! One USA reader will win a Teeth Whitening & Dental Care Package valued at $50. Enter below and good luck!

What is your dental care routine like? Do you have gum disease in your family? Have you ever tried a teeth whitener? I would love to hear!