Preventive Care

Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age.  It is the foundation of all the things we work for.  Keeping you healthy and pain-free eating and enjoying the lifestyle you deserve is our mission.  By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular visits with your dentist, ensures your smile and keeps you comfortable. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque 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 food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
• Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.  We will coach you how to use and implement the floss aides you need
• 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 smile healthy.
• Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist at least every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
• Varnish, a high concentration of Fluoride, is highly recommended to increase the hardness of the outer surface of your enamel and prevent demineralization and/or decay
• For those on medications, it is important to have exams to determine salivary flow issues that create dry mouth tooth decay
• Finally at each visit will include an oral cancer screening which we know can be very dangerous.  A good exam is the first step to finding and preventing oral cancer.

If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

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Helpful Instructions for at Home Dental Care

Printable Instructions

How to Brush Your Teeth:

BRUSHING: STEP 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.    

BRUSHING: STEP 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.

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.

How to Floss:

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.