Most of us spend time, effort and money on beauty products, makeup, clothes and other beauty accessories. But we neglect to take care of the most important parts of the human body - the mouth. Oral maintenance is where most people fail; it may be because of ignorance, bad habits, or plain laziness. Most of us think that mouth is hidden and not noticed by anyone but this is not true, after eyes the mouth is the next thing people watch especially when you smile and begin to talk. The mouth is important as it is the entry for food, drinks, and even air into your inner organs.

Take time to care your lips. Dry, chapped lips are unpleasant and indeed not nice to kiss. Use a lip balm or moisturize for soft and smooth lips. Taking care of your lips helps in preventing lipstick smear in your later years.

Gargle with water after eating. Food particles that are logged between the teeth and gums should be gently removed. Gargle at least three times to dislodge smaller food particles.

Brush your teeth twice a day. Bacteria that are present in our mouth, starts damaging your teeth within 24 hours that's why dentists recommend brushing twice a day to consistently interrupt their growth. It's always good to brush your teeth before going to bed.

Use a tongue scraper. Most of the odor coming out from the mouth comes from microscopic, decaying food particles trapped on the tongue's surface. Use a gentle plastic tongue scraper for a cleaner and healthier tongue.

Use a straw. When you drink colored beverages like tea, cola use a straw because colored beverages tend to discolor your teeth. This will minimize the contact with the teeth and thus prevent ugly stains.

Reduce tobacco, alcohol, coffee, soda pop, commercial fruit juice, and sugar intake. Tobacco, alcohol and coffee leave a distinct odor in the mouth and may stain teeth, while sodas and commercially fruit juice have sugar content that can harm teeth.

Be careful regarding harsh toothpastes and tooth whiteners. Abrasive toothpastes and strong tooth whiteners weaken teeth and increase tooth sensitivity.

You can take mint candy or chewing gum as a quick breath freshener.

Consult a doctor or dentist . In case of any oral, throat, and respiratory problems visit your doctor or dentist. Most of the tooth diseases are cured during their early stage.

For extra beautiful mouth and lips, add a smile and speak words of kindness and love.