JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE July issue | Page 68

If you exercise hard, be sure to rehydrate during and after your workout. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy can also help keep saliva flowing in your mouth. Some medical conditions and medications can cause dry mouth. Talk to your doctor about treatments. 8. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth Some people grind their upper and lower teeth together, especially at night. Over time it can wear down the enamel. Talk to your dentist if you've got the grinding habit. He may suggest a custom-fitted mouth guard that can protect your teeth. 9. Get Regular Checkups To keep your teeth strong, see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. He can spot signs of trouble, such as cavities or tooth grinding, before they do a lot of damage. Your dentist will also make sure that you're getting the right amount of fluoride to harden and protect enamel. If your water supply isn't fluoridated, ask him if you need fluoride supplements, mouthwashes, or coatings for your teeth.