Total Transformations Dentistry
Request an Appointment

DENTAL HEALTH 101

You are never to old to start - no matter what your past dental hygiene practices have been.

  1. Brush at least twice a day—after every meal is ideal.
  2. Brush for at least two minutes. Teaching tots to brush? Put on a song and tell them to brush until the song ends.
  3. Use a soft bristled toothbrush. A medium or hard bristled brush can actually wear out gums and teeth.
  4. Don’t apply too much pressure when brushing as brushing too hard can cause gums to recede. If you are going through brushes every two months, you are probably brushing too hard.
  5. Change your toothbrush every three months or after being ill with a major illness such as strep throat.
  6. Use other options for cleaning. We recommend Sonic toothbrushes and Waterpiks. These instruments help clean the teeth and remove bacteria under the gums. They stimulate gum tissue without damaging it. You can also use Listerine in the Waterpik to help fight gum disease.
  7. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay. Patients who have dry mouth might substitute alcohol-free and prescription rinses, especially when the rinses are combined with stannous fluoride.
  8. Floss or Waterpik daily. These are great lines of defense because food, plaque, and bacteria collect between the teeth causing cavities and periodontal disease.
  9. Use Fluoride- it’s not just for children but is especially important for someone who has a lot of restorations or who has experienced gum recession. Look for fluoride toothpaste and make certain to get professional fluoride treatments.
  10. Get regular cleanings at the dentist. Three months has been shown to be the optimal time for cleanings as that time period has been proven to be most effective in disrupting naturally occurring oral bacteria.
Total Transformations Dentistry

Let's Get in touch