Preventative
Care

Preventative Care For Oral Health

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 bright and healthy for many years to come. 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 toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces.
• 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!
• Floss at least once a day. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth and under the gum line where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
• You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid high concentrations of sugar. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
• The texture of hard fruits and vegetables can help clean your teeth naturally while you bite and chew.
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
• 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.
• If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special protective mouthguards.

If it’s been six months since your last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact us for your next appointment!