Practicing excellent oral hygiene is the key to maintaining good overall health – for patients of all ages! Parents must introduce proper oral care early in a child's life, as early as infancy. Parents are responsible for ensuring their children brush and floss every day, and we encourage them to lead by example.

In recent years, bacterial inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to chronic health problems, such as stroke, coronary artery disease and premature, low birth-weight babies. Yet there are a number of things you can do to help protect your teeth and your overall health. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year allows us to thoroughly clean your teeth, and dental exams give us the ability to evaluate any potential problems (i.e. cavities, gingivitis, etc.) before they become more serious. We are also able to recognize whether a patient is getting proper nutrition, maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen and whether there are any growth or development problems.

To ensure you and your family are practicing good oral hygiene, be sure to follow these guidelines:

Regular Dental Visits

In order to maintain a healthy smile, it is vital to have professional cleanings and regular check-ups. Therefore, you should visit your general dentist twice a year (once every six months). At each appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and provide an evaluation of existing dental problems and proposed treatment.

Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth and the sugars consumed in your diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, which causes the bacteria to produce acids. These acids break down the minerals in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists can remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings or cover the tooth with a crown. Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment.

Diet Control

The teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups help minimize and avoid cavities and other dental problems. Consuming sugary and starchy foods should be limited, including candies, cookies, chips and crackers. Healthier foods, such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, help promote stronger teeth.

Sealants

The grooves that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) are extremely difficult to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria react with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Tooth sealants can protect these areas by sealing the grooves, preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating. The sealants are made of a resin material that is applied to the back teeth, molars, premolars and any area prone to cavities. Sealants last for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking fluoridated water and daily brushing and flossing ensures significantly fewer cavities. Many, if not most, public water sources contain fluoridated water. Your dentist can evaluate the level of fluoride in your primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements if necessary. There are also many kinds of toothpastes, mouthwashes and even some dental flosses that contain fluoride.

By following these steps, you can help prevent common problems, such as cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, oral cancer, as well as prohibit the development of more serious diseases that affect your overall health, including heart disease and diabetes.