Hey, I know you have heard some or maybe all of this before,
but it works. It’s not brain surgery nor
is it boot camp. But if you will follow
these small steps you can save yourself a lot of money and sometimes a lot of
pain.
1. Brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride
toothpaste.
Aim for first thing in the morning and before going to bed. At
least once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food your toothbrush
missed. Make sure you:
•Drink water that
contains added fluoride if you can. Fluoride protects against dental decay.
Most public water systems in the United States have added fluoride. Check with
your community's water or health department to find out if there is fluoride in
your water. You also may want to use a fluoride mouth rinse, along with
brushing and flossing, to help prevent tooth decay.
•Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled
brush. Round and short back-and-forth strokes work best.
•Take time to brush along the gum line, and lightly brush
your tongue to help remove plaque and food.
•Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the best
way to floss your teeth.
•Change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if
the toothbrush looks worn or the bristles spread out. A new toothbrush removes
more plaque.
•If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and
clean them before putting them back in the next morning.
•Eat healthy meals. Cut down on tooth decay by brushing
after meals. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals.
•Don't smoke. It raises your risk of gum disease, oral and
throat cancers, and oral fungal infections. It also affects the color of your
teeth and the smell of your breath.
•Limit alcohol use to one drink per day for women. Heavy
alcohol use raises your risk of oral and throat cancers. Using alcohol and
tobacco together raises your risk of oral cancers more than using one alone.
•Limit how much soda you drink. Even diet soda contains
acids that can erode tooth enamel.
3. Get regular checkups.
•Have an oral exam once or twice a year. Your dentist may
recommend more or fewer visits depending on your oral health. At most routine
visits, the dentist and a dental hygienist will treat you. During regular
checkups, dentists look for signs of diseases, infections, problems, injuries,
and oral cancer.
•See your dentist right away if:
◦Your gums bleed
often
◦You see any red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or
floor of the mouth
◦You have mouth or jaw pain that won't go away
◦You have sores that do not heal within two weeks
◦You have problems swallowing or chewing
4. Follow your dentist's advice.
Your dentist may suggest ways to keep your mouth healthy. He
or she can teach you how to properly floss or brush. Follow any recommended
steps or treatments to keep your mouth healthy.
5. If you have another health problem, think about how it
may affect your oral health.
For instance, if you take medicines that give you a dry mouth
ask your doctor or nurse if there are other drugs you can use. Have an oral
exam before starting cancer treatment. And if you have diabetes, practice good
oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.
If we can be of assistance or you have additional concerns,
feel free to contact us.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs),
GA 30328
404-256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com
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