Preventive care

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 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. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
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 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 mouthguards designed to protect your smile.

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

Brushing Instructions

Toothbrush held at a 45-degree angle against the gum line — **Step 1** Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.

Toothbrush making small circular strokes on the outer tooth surfaces — **Step 2** Brush gently in a circular motion.

Toothbrush cleaning the flat chewing surfaces of the back teeth — **Step 3** Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

Toothbrush tipped vertically to clean behind the upper front teeth — **Step 4** Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions

Floss wound around the middle finger of each hand — **Step 1** Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

Thumbs and forefingers guiding a short length of floss between two teeth — **Step 2** Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

Floss curved into a C-shape against the side of a tooth below the gum line — **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.

Floss being moved up and down against the side of a tooth — **Step 4** Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

Common Questions

How often should I see the dentist?

Every six months for most people. If you have gum disease, a history of cavities, or other risk factors, we may recommend every three or four months.

What actually happens at a checkup?

We check for cavities and signs of tooth decay, examine your gums for periodontal disease, screen for oral cancer, take X-rays when needed, and clean, polish, and rinse your teeth.

How can I prevent cavities at home?

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, go easy on sugary snacks and drinks, and keep your six-month visits. Ask us about sealants and fluoride if you are cavity-prone.

Brushing Instructions

Flossing Instructions

Common Questions

Ready for a dentist you'll actually look forward to?