Good oral care is part of a healthy lifestyle.

It's easy to keep your teeth and gums in good health.  A simple routine of cleaning your teeth daily, establishing good eating habits and having regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Here are some brushing and flossing tips:

Place the toothbrush at a slight angle toward the gums when brushing along the gum line.  Move the brush back and forth with short, gentle strokes. It does not take much pressure to remove the plaque from your teeth, and vigorous scrubbing could irritate your gums. 

Clean all the surfaces of the teeth - the outer and the inner
 (tongue side) tooth surfaces and the chewing surfaces and the inside of the front teeth.

Gently brush your tongue - including the back - to help remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.  Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand.  This finger will take up the floss as it is used.  Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them, leaving no slack.  Gently slide the floss between your teeth.  Do not jerk or snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reached the gum line, cure it into a C-shape against one tooth.  Gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.  Hold the floss against the tooth.  Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum.  Don't forget to floss the back of the last tooth.  This is a critical area where plaque often collects.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile

Healthy smiles make great impressions! To keep your mouth in good condition,

• Brush twice a day
• Clean between your teeth daily
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks, and
• Visit your dentist regularly for a dental examination and professional teeth cleaning

Call us today at 724-437-5010 to schedule an appointment - to help you get back to great oral health!