If you make regular visits to the dentist, you probably have a good idea of what you should be doing to keep your mouth healthy and avoid serious oral problems.

A dentist or dental hygienist will usually go over the procedures you should be following as part of your oral hygiene and if you have any special concerns they can address these as well.

Regular dental examination and cleanings combined with regular brushing and flossing are the foundation for good oral health. It may also help to avoid certain foods that can cause problems. For example, dry mouth can be caused by alcohol and tobacco use.

When it comes to keeping your teeth and mouth healthy, flossing is very vital. If flossing is not part of your daily routine, you should certainly incorporate it. Brushing your teething without flossing can only clean the surfaces of your teeth about 60%.

Another common mouth related problem is chapped lips. Exposure to the sun or cold dry weather can result in this condition, and so can licking and biting your lips. Lip balm is usually able to relieve and when used early enough prevent the condition. Using a humidifier can help as well.

For ulcers or sores inside the mouth, changes in diet can be effective treatment in many cases. When a problem arises drink plenty of cold liquids and eat bland foods (spicy foods could irritate infected areas and create pain) and eat soft foods that require less chewing and are easier to swallow.

A sore outside the mouth can be treated with ice. Apply the ice directly to the bump or welt for immediate relief and this could help dry out the sore.

If you take the proper preventative measures, most of your mouth problems will probably be minor and you will be able to treat them without medical assistance.

Suffering from a cold sore? Here are a few home remedies to help you heal faster. First off, replace your toothbrush. Toothbrushes can hold the virus. You should change as soon as they appears and again after it is healed.

Keep clean. They are highly contagious. Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer with you at all times if possible. If you touch the sore, wash your hands immediately to avoid further contamination of your body and others. Do not share glasses or utensils and do not kiss or come into close contact with others while infected.

Try to avoid touching them if possible. Other than being contagious, they are easily irritated and susceptible to bacterial infections. Covering them with petroleum jelly can help speed the healing process and help protect it from a secondary bacterial infection.

Try to avoid salty or acidic foods as they can irritate them. It is believed that licorice can help speed up the healing process. Check to make sure the ingredient list includes “licorice mass,” not just “anise” flavoring. You can also purchase licorice powder and apply it directly to the sore. Just be careful and make sure to use it in moderation.

Cold compresses can help reduce recovery time as well. Ice, ice packs and even slushies can help relieve the pain and provide temporary help. Apply ice for a few minutes every hour or so to relieve pain and swelling. You can also steep a tea bag in hot water, allow it to cool and apply it to the affected area. Try Earl Grey tea.

Immune boosters like zinc lozenges and Echinacea can also help keep them away and ramp up recovery time.

While there are many home remedies for mouth sores, you should consider over the counter treatments and ointments as well as prescription medication to heal in the quickest amount of time. However, if you would rather avoid the side effects of over the counter products, then opt to home remedies.