How important is good dental care?

Good healthy teeth are a priceless asset.

Think of it: when you meet someone new, the first thing that happens is eye contact. The second thing is a smile. You notice their teeth. So, appearance is important to most of us, but a healthy mouth is more than skin-deep.

Consider the matters of digestion and nutrition. Your overall health is impacted by your dental health. Research even indicates that gum disease may be implicated in the increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why are brushing and flossing so important?

We all have plaque forming on our teeth continually. Plaque is a sticky bacteria – filled film that forms along the gum line and in between the teeth. If it is not by removed by effective brushing and flossing daily, it can lead to two problems: cavities and gum disease.

Plaque and cavities

– the bacteria in plaque form acid that eats away at the enamel of your teeth, resulting in cavities.

Plaque and gum disease (periodontal disease)

– the bacteria in plaque causes infection of the gum tissue leading to tooth loss. The plaque hardening into calculus is a contributing factor in this disease.

Good oral hygiene is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. We can educate you in effective methods of brushing and flossing to remove this dangerous bacteria daily. Twice yearly dental visits allow us to monitor your dental health, and deal with problems on a timely basis.

If you do come to us with periodontal disease, we can comfortably remove the calculus (sometimes called tartar) deposits, restore your mouth to a healthier state, and supervise an effective home-care regimen for you.

Toothbrushes:

We recommend a soft bristled manual toothbrush, of if you have limited manual dexterity or braces, an electronic toothbrush. Brush twice daily.

Manual Toothbrush Method:

1. Hold toothbrush at gum line at a 45 degree angle, with bristles overlapping onto gums.

2. Gently “jiggle” the bristles back and forth. Cover 2-3 teeth at a time, then move to the next section and overlap strokes.

3. Brush outside and tongue-side surfaces in this way.

4. Tilt brush and use the tips of bristles for tongue-side of front teeth.

5. Basically “scrub” the chewing surfaces.

6. Spit out the extra toothpaste and rinse.

7. Your tongue also harbors bacteria. Gently brush it from front to back.

8. Total brushing time should be 2-3 minutes, or about the length of a song on the radio.

9. Daily flossing is also a must for removing plaque between the teeth. Some other interdental cleaners are also quite effective.

Toothpaste:

Choose a fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Approval. Fluoride is a decay-preventive mineral.