Preventive Care
Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque, periodontal disease and cavities:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing, and help keep your breath fresh!
- There are many home care tools available to help you maintain healthy gums. Our Hygienists will help show you how to better clean between the teeth using interproximal brishes, floss, Waterpik and a rubber tip.
- You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach.
- Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your teeth healthy. Avoid popcorn.
- Schedule regular checkups with your Dentist and Periodontist every three to six months for a professional cleaning.based on your dental history and susceptibility to gum disease and cavities. The time interval may be 3,4 or 6 months.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
- Prescription toothpastes are available to help with sensitivity due to exposed roots.
- See your dentist for a complete evaluation and any needed x-rays once per year.
If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!
- Brushing Instructions
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Brushing: Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
Place the bristles under the gum line and jiggle the brush head. If using an electric brush just leave the bristles in place for a few seconds. Make sure you can feel the bristles cleaning under the gum line.
Brushing: Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
- Flossing Instructions
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Flossing: Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Flossing: Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Flossing: Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.
