AT HOME CARE

PREVENTION & GUM CARE

As your dentist, my goal is to help you achieve excellent oral health. Taking good care of yourself can start with your mouth.

Steps to having a healthy mouth:

• Brush your teeth for approximately two minutes twice a day with fluoride containing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.

• Get a new toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months.

• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to freshen your breath.

• Floss your teeth once daily before going to bed each night.

• Have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year.

• Avoid tobacco.

• Cut down on sweets and between-meal snacks.

There are many good reasons to come for regular dental visits at our office:

• to prevent gum disease

• to check for cavities and other oral diseases or conditions

• to check for signs of oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer

• to remove tartar, a hard material that makes cleaning your teeth difficult and can lead to gum disease

• to rid your teeth of surface stains caused by foods, beverages, or tobacco that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing

• to learn about the best ways to care for your mouth

• to keep your teeth healthy, which helps to keep your body healthy

• (Your Smile, An Owner’s Manual. ADA American Dental Association. W302. 2011.)