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.