Preventative Dentistry
with Dr. Ray Hazen

They say that the best offense is a good defense, and that same metaphor can be applied to your dental care. While we can provide excellent dental hygiene cleanings, scans, and evaluations, the best defense for your teeth starts at home. Whether you need to improve your own habits, or are looking for tips to teach your children, take a look below at some vital habits you should get into to keep your smile looking and feeling fresh.

Daily Oral Care Habits

Brushing Twice a Day

Brush your teeth twice a day to prevent the worst of plaque from building up on your teeth. However, also keep in mind to replace your toothbrush about every three months, as frayed toothbrushes are less effective. Also, if you’re sick or recovering from an illness, change your toothbrush to stop the spread of bacteria.

Floss Daily

Flossing is also key to preventing the spread of plaque and food particles from festering. But be sure that you’re also flossing correctly: instead of pressing the floss between your teeth roughly, use the floss to scrape upwards, so you’re not pressing the food particles deeper into your gums. At your next hygiene appointment, ask us for a demonstration and we’ll be happy to show you.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating food that is heavy in sugar and carbohydrates actually feeds the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. We recommend that patients drink plenty of water and consume food with plenty of natural vitamins. Consider eating more dairy as well, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk. Some studies have even shown that drinking unsweetened tea and eating hard cheese has the potential to reduce plaque.

Visiting the Dentist

Even the most particular dental care patient needs to see the dentist for hygiene appointments. During these times, we’ll polish your teeth, remove pesky plaque and tartar, and look out for warning signs of oral health diseases. Some oral issues can’t be seen at home with the naked eye, so let us help you keep your best smile on point.

Get Your Kids Excited About Dental Care

For parents, it can sometimes feel like a challenge to get your children interested in caring for their teeth. But instilling these preventative care techniques early can guarantee a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are some quick tips to help you get started, or contact us for more information about our family dental care.

• Bring them with you to dental appointments: Your children will become more familiar with a dental office and understand that dental care is not a scary process.
• Show them what cavities look like: While parents tell children to brush their teeth so they don’t get cavities, many children don’t quite understand what a cavity is. By showing them pictures and describing what a cavity can do, this can encourage them to be more vigilant with their oral care.
• Brush and floss together at home: Kids often mimic their parents, so perform your oral care regimen together in front of the sink. Your children will pick up good dental care habits and will be able to perform them on their own soon after.
• Check out fun kids’ toothbrushes: There’s a plethora of designed children’s toothbrushes to get kids excited about brushing their teeth. Consider fun toothpaste flavors as well, or make brushing into a game to encourage them to be the best.