Routine Dental Care Guide for Your Family

Preventing dental problems requires forethought, effort and consistency. While it is possible for families to take the steps to prevent things like dental decay and dental damage, prevention takes time. If you know what steps to take, it is relatively easy to keep up oral health. Use our guide to keep your family on track.

Routine dental care guide for your family

It can be easier to remain in good health and stay focused, by implementing a schedule. With that in mind, our guide uses an adjustable sample schedule that people can use or alter for personal preference.

#1. Visit the dentist every August/September and every March.

It is wise to visit the dentist twice a year for bi-annual teeth cleanings. These cleanings are necessary for keeping teeth in good oral health because it allows us to remove plaque and tartar (two things that cause decay and infections) while watching for signs of a dental problem. If we notice soft spots or signs of decay, we can treat them immediately. We can also prevent things like a future toothache or dental emergencies. These appointments are relatively quick and also provide patients the opportunity to ask questions about oral health.

#2. Schedule fluoride treatments every three to six months

Children who are suffering from oral health problems need to receive regular fluoride treatments. In some cases, we can perform these treatments every three months, between regular dental exams. Fluoride treatments help to strengthen teeth and reduce the likelihood of cavities forming. Fluoride only takes a few minutes to brush on so these fast appointments can be one of the easiest things a parent can do to improve their child’s oral health.

#3. Have a mouthguard created, then fitted every September

A mouthguard should be worn by anyone who plays sports. It serves as a protective barrier between the teeth and any incoming fly balls or elbows. Wearing a mouthguard can make it possible to avoid having a cracked, chipped or knocked out a tooth. Once created, it should be fitted on an annual basis to ensure that it is still secure and snug. If a child is growing, they may need to have a new one created every year.

#4. Schedule dental appointments at the first sign of a problem

Outside of preventive care, it is necessary to schedule a dental appointment any time that there is a dental emergency like a toothache, bleeding gums or a tooth becomes damaged.  Scheduling an appointment at the first sign of an emergency is an important step for preventing extensive dental problems. This is an important part of our dental care guide because failing to address an emergency quickly can result in long-term health problems.

#5. Brush and floss daily

Keep teeth healthy and clean by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. By removing plaque and food particles, the chances of developing tooth decay or gum disease will be greatly reduced.

#6. Have teeth whitened every spring

Many adult patients benefit from having a bright white and beautiful smile. Scheduling a teeth whitening appointment on an annual or biannual basis can ensure that a smile continues to look bright and beautiful.

#7. Replace missing teeth immediately

Replacing missing teeth right away is important for long-term oral health and the stability of the jawbone. When a tooth falls out, the process of resorption begins where the body will leech calcium from the bones to be used elsewhere. Replacing it is the best way to combat this problem.

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For more information on our dental care guide or for other tips, you can use, visit our clinic.

recession can be frustrating, aesthetically unpleasant, and detrimental to your oral health. If you have started noticing signs of gum recession, or you just want to ensure that it never develops, we have some tips that might be helpful for you to begin utilizing.

Visit the dentist.

It may sound like an obvious solution, but many people avoid visiting the dentist on a regular basis. This prevents them from realizing when they may be at risk for gum recession. When one visits a dentist for an appointment, we can notify the individual if we notice any signs of recession or gum disease. We can also direct the individual to changes that he or she needs to make to improve oral hygiene regimen. This can be invaluable information when one is trying to prevent detrimental and unsightly gum recession.

Adjust your brushing habits.

When someone uses a toothbrush that is too hard or puts too much pressure on the teeth and gums, the individual is actually weakening the oral tissues. Aggressive brushing habits may seem like a good idea to deter plaque from developing, but they are actually making the teeth and gums more vulnerable to other problems like gum recession and tooth loss. Brushing teeth with a firm, but gentle pressure and circular motion is the solution. If one uses a toothbrush with hard bristles, then he or she may also consider getting medium or soft grade bristles.

Over flossing may be the culprit.

Flossing is a wonderful habit to have, but when someone over flosses, it can end up weakening the gums. Flossing removes plaque, but people only need to floss once or twice a day. Flossing too much puts unnecessary pressure on the gums and may encourage them to recede.

It may be in your genes.

In some cases, people may inherit a predisposition for thin gums and gum recession. If this is the case, then the patient needs to definitely brush more gently, and consider having a gum graft before the gum recession becomes severe.

Biting your nails, pencils, or any other foreign objects.

If one has the habit of putting objects into his or her mouth to chew on, then there is a chance to scratch the gums without noticing. Patients with this habit need to take steps to stop since they are bad for the enamel.

Periodontal disease could be to blame.

Periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, is the main culprit of gum recession. To avoid developing periodontal disease, practice proper oral hygiene and visit a dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Once you form these habits, you should be on the road to better oral health and less likelihood of developing gum recession. Also, keep in mind that you should visit your dentist every 3-6 months if you think your gums may already be receding. A dentist will be able to keep an eye on the amount of gum tissue you are losing. We can also perform a gum graft as needed and help with extreme cases of gum recession.

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