ORAL HEALTH TIPS
If you’re not sure what steps you can take at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy, we have a quick reference guide here to help you out.
Brushing
Flossing
Rinsing
Gums
Bad Breath
Oral Cancer
Check Up
Nutrition
How do I correctly brush my teeth?
- Align the brush 45° to your gums.
- Brush in a gentle circular motion.
- Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Use the tip of the brush to brush the inner side of your front teeth.
How often should I brush my teeth?
You should brush your teeth at least twice per day, preferably after meals.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles become frayed, whichever occurs first.
How do I correctly floss my teeth?
- Pull about 18 inches of the floss from the box and cut.
- Wrap one end around your middle finger, with a bit of slack.
- About 1.5 inches from where it wraps around a middle finger, wrap it around your other middle finger. Leave the rest of the slack at this side.
- Pinch about 1 inch worth of floss between your thumb and forefinger on each hand (suspending the inch of floss between them).
- Holding the floss tightly, gently slide it in between your teeth.
- Curve the floss around one tooth, and gently slide the floss up and down the tooth in a sawing motion.
- Repeat for each tooth on both sides.
How often should I floss my teeth?
You should floss at least once per day.
Should I use a mouthwash?
Antiseptic mouthwash helps kill bacteria that leads to bad breath and gingivitis, and is recommended for use in keeping your mouth healthy.
How often should I use mouthwash?
You should rinse with mouthwash after every brushing and meal.
How do I detect gum disease?
The most accurate method for detecting gum disease is to have it diagnosed by a dentist. Some signs and symptoms may tell of its presence, however.
What are the signs of gum disease?
- Irritated, swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Sudden loss of teeth not as a result of trauma
- Extreme sensitivity of teeth
- Receding gum line
- Gums changing color
- Abscessed Teeth
What causes bad breath?
- Missed meals and dehydration
- Diet consisting of a lot of fats
- Dry mouth, which is common with certain medications
- Certain foods like garlic and onions
- Certain medical illnesses like diabetes, liver, and kidney issues, as well as sinus and lung infections
- Gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene
How do I prevent bad breath?
- Twice daily brushing with FDA approved fluoride toothpaste
- Daily flossing
- Frequently drink water
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings
How do I get rid of bad breath?
- Brushing or scraping the tongue
- Stopping smoking
- Antiseptic mouthwash
Can I check for signs of oral cancer at home?
You can; check your neck, lips, tongue, and throat for any abnormal bulges or spots. Otherwise, we will perform a screening during a regular checkup.
How often should I go to the dentist?
It is recommended that you have a checkup every 6 months and x-rays every 12 months.
What foods and drinks should I consume for healthier teeth?
- Milk, cheese, and calcium fortified juices are good drinks to consume to help strengthen teeth and jaw bones.
- Crisp fruits and raw vegetables help clean plaque from teeth and also freshen breath.
- Antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin C protect tissue like the gums from cell damage and bacterial infections.