Flossing: 1) Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up. 2) Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth. 3) Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums. 4) Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

Brushing: 1) Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum. 2) Brush gently in a circular motion. 3) Brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of each tooth. 4) Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

 

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular checkup, your hygienist and dentist will:

• Review your medical history
• Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
• Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
• Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
• Provide a thorough teeth cleaning, and polish
• Oral cancer screening
• Blood pressure screening

Visiting the dentist every six months gives you the chance to talk with your doctor and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Checkups are also a great way for you to find out about new treatments that may benefit your smile.

From toothpaste and mouthwash to toothbrushes and dental floss, it’s important to choose the right products for your smile. When you’re looking for a new toothpaste or toothbrush be sure to choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dentist can also help by recommending certain dental products for use at home. If you suffer with sensitivity issues, please make us aware so we may make specific suggestions for you.

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, and is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, your dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums. Causes? Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups), it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
• Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.

Factors that Increase Risk: Smoking or using chewing tobacco, Diabetes, Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives, Bridges that no longer fit properly, Crooked teeth, Old fillings, Pregnancy  Symptoms: Gums that bleed easily, Red, swollen, tender gums, Gums that have pulled away from the teeth, Persistent bad breath or bad taste, Pus between your teeth and gums, Permanent teeth that are loose or separating, Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.

Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include:

• Non-surgical treatments such as at-home periodontal trays, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
• Periodontal surgery and laser gum surgery
• Dental implants