By Dr Andre Clarke It is very important to practice a good mouth cleaning regime. It should be done daily. Such a regime should include teeth and tongue cleaning, as well as mouth rinsing. A toothbrush, floss and mouthwash are some of the items commonly used to make the process easier and faster. It may be assumed that with good mouth cleaning instruments and techniques, healthy teeth and smiles are guaranteed. This is not the case. Regular dental visits and a good healthy balanced diet are crucial in guaranteeing healthy teeth and mouths. We all need the oversight of a well trained dental professional to keep an eye out. This will ensure that your teeth are not sustained by bad habits. Even though we may be doing the right things at home, we still need someone to examine us for disease and to help us handle any challenges that may arise as a result of trauma and/or age. A dental home is the descriptive moniker given to a dental office where you go all the time; where you take your children and your children's children; and most importantly, where you feel most at ease. You may never feel totally at ease, but if there is that one dental office where you feel most at ease that should be your dental home. Far from being the scourge of a beautiful smile, seeing your dentist regularly is absolutely necessary. Dentists do not enjoy inflicting pain and will always try their best to prevent it. They all have the prerequisite skills to ensure your smile is kept alive. The Bahamas Dental Council ensures that dentists are scientifically equipped to practice dentistry in the Bahamas, but they cannot ensure friendliness, good manners and etiquette. These are qualities to look for when you are looking for a dental home. It is best to determine a dental home, because that is where you will develop a good professional familiarity with the dental professional and he with you. You will get to know him and he will get to know you. The professional will be able to effortlessly address issues when they arise, and even prevent them, because he will be familiar with your medical, dental and family history. He will be able to understand how these things impact each other and impact your receptiveness to any procedure. These allow for continuity of care and for dental treatment plans to be completed in a timely fashion. The avoidance of punctuated and erratic approaches places less stress on not only patients, but on healthcare professionals. It is very important to discover your dental home and to make visiting the dentist a stress free event. Regular check ups and cleanings should be the goal. Preventing a problem is always better than treating it, but if treatment becomes necessary, it is best that you are at home, your dental home. The American Dental Association and the Special Care Dentistry Association are two useful organisations that help with the identification of dental professionals. They do not condone dentist shopping especially if the only reason is price. Choose an affordable and caring dentist and make that office your dental home. Your teeth deserve it, whether you have all thirty-two or just the front two. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and may not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical/dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or dental professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical/dental condition. Never disregard professional medical/dental advice or delay in seeking it because of a purely informational publication. Please send email to dr_andreclarke@hotmail.com.