Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the best means of prevention of cavities. It also helps to prevent bad breath. Oral hygiene is necessary for all persons to maintain the health of their teeth and mouth. Healthy teeth have fewer cavities. They are clean and have minimal or no plaque deposits. Healthy gums are pink and firm. Oral hygiene consists of both personal and professional care.

Careful brushing and flossing help to prevent build-up of plaque and calculus (tartar). The teeth should be brushed at least twice daily and flossed at least once per day. The four requirements for proper brushing include using a soft toothbrush, toothpaste with fluoride, the correct angle of brushing and brushing in a pattern. Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It may also prevent cavities or help stop an existing cavity from growing larger. When brushing, angle the brush along the gum line at a 45 degree angle. Apply firm pressure so the bristles slide under the gum line. Brush two or three teeth at a time then move to the rest of the teeth, allowing for some overlap. Finally, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This removes germs and keeps your breath fresh. Flossing is just as important as brushing. Most cavities and periodontal disease begins between the teeth. Although brushing is important to keep the teeth clean, the bristles of brush are not able to clean between the teeth. To keep your teeth and gum healthy you must remove the plaque between your teeth at least once a day with flossing.

Professional Care

Regular tooth cleaning by the dentist or dental hygienist is important to remove plaque that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes scaling and polishing. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.

We recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months. More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during the treatment of many of the dental/oral disorders.

Your Child's Oral Health

Teaching your child proper oral care at a young age is an investment in his or her health that will pay lifelong dividends. Children who have pleasant dental visit when they are very young are likely to have a favorable outlook towards dental care throughout their life. The first dental visit is very important in the formation of this attitude. It's not difficult to help your child maintain a healthy smile. You can start by setting an example; taking good care of your own teeth sends a message that oral health is something to be valued. And anything that makes taking care of teeth is fun, like brushing along with your child or letting them choose their own toothbrush, encourages proper oral care. Take your child to see the dentist regularly. Your child's first visit should occur by his first birthday to check for tooth decay and other problems. Start cleaning your child's mouth daily. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Brush and floss your child's teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone.

A dental sealant creates a highly effective barrier against decay. Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of a child's permanent back teeth, where most cavities form. Applying a sealant is not painful and it can be performed in one dental visit.