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.

patient tips brushing

Brushing

patient tips flossing

Flossing

patient tips rinsing

Rinsing

patient tips gums

Gums

Patient tips bad breath

Bad Breath

patient tips oral cancer

Oral Cancer

patient check up

Check Up

patient tips nutrition

Nutrition

How do I correctly brush my teeth?

  1. Align the brush 45° to your gums.
  2. Brush in a gentle circular motion.
  3. Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including front, back, and chewing surfaces.
  4. 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?

  1. Pull about 18 inches of the floss from the box and cut.
  2. Wrap one end around your middle finger, with a bit of slack.
  3. 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.
  4. Pinch about 1 inch worth of floss between your thumb and forefinger on each hand (suspending the inch of floss between them).
  5. Holding the floss tightly, gently slide it in between your teeth.
  6. Curve the floss around one tooth, and gently slide the floss up and down the tooth in a sawing motion.
  7. 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?

  1. Irritated, swollen, red gums
  2. Bleeding gums
  3. Chronic bad breath
  4. Sudden loss of teeth not as a result of trauma
  5. Extreme sensitivity of teeth
  6. Receding gum line
  7. Gums changing color
  8. Abscessed Teeth

What causes bad breath?

  1. Missed meals and dehydration
  2. Diet consisting of a lot of fats
  3. Dry mouth, which is common with certain medications
  4. Certain foods like garlic and onions
  5. Certain medical illnesses like diabetes, liver, and kidney issues, as well as sinus and lung infections
  6. Gum disease
  7. Poor oral hygiene

How do I prevent bad breath?

  1. Twice daily brushing with FDA approved fluoride toothpaste
  2. Daily flossing
  3. Frequently drink water
  4. Regular dental checkups and cleanings

How do I get rid of bad breath?

  1. Brushing or scraping the tongue
  2. Stopping smoking
  3. 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?

  1. Milk, cheese, and calcium fortified juices are good drinks to consume to help strengthen teeth and jaw bones.
  2. Crisp fruits and raw vegetables help clean plaque from teeth and also freshen breath.
  3. Antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin C protect tissue like the gums from cell damage and bacterial infections.

Oral Health FAQs

Why is oral health important?

Good oral health is important for many reasons. It can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevent bad breath, and avoid costly dental problems. Oral health is important for overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to several serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you avoid these and other health problems.

How to improve oral health?

There are a few things you can do to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. First, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making your teeth more resistant to decay. Your dentist can spot early signs of problems like gum disease and cavities so they can be treated before they become serious. So don’t forget to schedule regular dental appointments!

How does oral health affect overall health?

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, some of which are good for your health while others can be harmful. The key to maintaining good oral health is to keep the harmful bacteria under control. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque, which is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar (calculus), which is much more difficult to remove. Tartar can lead to gum disease, which is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Can bad oral hygiene cause health problems?

Yes, bad oral hygiene can cause health problems. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, the plaque and bacteria in your mouth can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss, bone loss, and other serious health problems. We provide preventive care to help you boost your oral health and avoid gum disease. We offer comprehensive services to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth, so your smile can last for years