FAQs

You should visit the dentist at least twice a year. A dental exam can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control them before they get worse and harder to treat.

Additionally, a cleaning performed by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach, and can actually help to prevent periodontal and heart disease.

You should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. You should floss at least once a day as well.

The following guidelines are important for brushing correctly:

  1. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Hard-bristled brushes can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
  2. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline so the bristles contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
  3. Use short back-and-forth strokes or small circular movements. Each movement should be no larger than the size of each tooth.
  4. Use gentle strokes while brushing. Gentle pressure removes plaque effectively, while excessive pressure can wear down enamel.
  5. Brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
  6. Brush for at least 2 minutes—don’t cut your brushing short!

The following guidelines are important for flossing correctly:

  1. Take 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand. Use these fingers to take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the floss, leaving 1–2 inches in between for cleaning.
  2. Gently move the floss up and down between your teeth. Never snap the floss onto your gums, as this can cause damage.
  3. As you guide the floss into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth, gently cleaning at the gumline as well. Repeat this for each tooth.
  4. Repeat this process for all of your teeth.

Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms every day on teeth from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. In addition, avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet can help control plaque.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens, often due to poor brushing habits. The gums can become swollen and red in the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis. As the disease advances, periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, pain while chewing, as well as tooth loss.

The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and you should contact our dentist if you experience any of these:

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Receding gums