FAQs

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

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.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss My Teeth?

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.

What is the Proper Way to Brush My Teeth?

The following guidelines are important for brushing correctly:

1. Firstly, 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. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
3. Use short back-and-forth strokes or tiny circular movements to brush your teeth. Each movement should be no bigger than the size of each tooth.
4. Make sure to use gentle strokes while brushing. Gentle strokes are effective in removing plaque, while too much pressure can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
5. Brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
6. Finally, don’t cut your brushing short! Make sure to brush for at least 2 minutes.

What is the Proper Way to Floss?

The following guidelines are important for flossing correctly:

1. Take 18” of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand. You can use these fingers to take up 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 the spaces of your teeth. Never snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage.
3. As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean at the gumline as well. Repeat this for all the other teeth.
4. Repeat this process for all of your teeth.

What is Plaque?

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

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

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.

What are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?

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