Thursday, September 13, 2012

Dental Check Ups!

How often do you see your dentist for a routine dental check up? We all assume that we need to go every six months, but did you know that your dental health will determine when you will be asked to come back for another check up?

Here are some frequent questions about check ups!

Why do we need dental check ups?

Dental check up are very important to our dental health, the dentist will do a examination of your mouth and detected any occurring problems you might have. Leaving any problems untreated will cause major problems in the future.

What does a dental check up include?

During the visit your dentist will:
  1. Examine your mouth (teeth and gums).
  2. Ask questions about your dental health, see if you are having any problems.
  3. Give you advice for a healthy mouth.
  4. Tell you when they want you back .

What about dental treatments?

Once you have had your check up, you may receive a treatment plan. A treatment plan is a outline of what procedures you may need done. Remember this is not set in stone, this is to show you what should be done to prevent any further problems that could occur.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

How To Keep Your Teeth Clean

We all brush and hopefully floss our teeth on a daily basis. But did you know that there are other important questions you should ask, so you can keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible?

When should I brush my teeth?
  1. You should brush your teeth at least two times a day, once in the morning before breakfast and once at night before you head to bed.
  2. Try to avoid brushing teeth right after a meal because this could damage your teeth, especially if you just had anything containing acid. *This is because the acid softens the enamel on your teeth*
Should I use a manual or electric toothbrush?
This depends on what you feel comfortable using. (They both are equally good.)

What type of toothpaste should I use?
Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. (Fluoride helps prevent and control cavities.)

How to brush your teeth?
  1. Your toothbrush should be at a 45 degree angle, brush in small circular movements several times on all surfaces of the tooth.
  2. Brush the roof of your mouth
  3. Brush your tongue, this will freshen your breath.
How to Floss?
  1. Take a section of floss
  2. Slip the floss between your teeth
  3. Floss up and down about 10 times
  4. Floss at least once a day, best time is right before bed.

You can use normal floss (waxed or unwaxed) or you can use the floss picks/gliders.

After brushing and flossing you should use a mouthwash. Mouthwash helps get rid of any last bits of bacteria or leftover food that you may have missed while brushing and flossing.