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$0 Dental Cleaning

No out-of-pocket cost for most insured patients

Call for details. Offers cannot be combined.

$79 New Patient Exam,
X-Rays & Cleanings

New patients only.

Offers cannot be combined.

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Questions & answers

Oral hygiene

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Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly?

Visiting the dentist every six months allows us to provide you with preventive care and diagnose any developing problems as soon as possible. Regular dental visits help keep your smile healthy and will save you money and time in the long run.

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Why is flossing important?

Flossing reaches the areas between your teeth and helps remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone does not. You should floss at least once each day.

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What is the best way to prevent cavities?

The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing daily. We also recommend that you limit the sugary and acidic foods and drinks you consume.

Oral hygiene

 
Why is oral hygiene so important?

Oral hygiene plays an important role in maintaining your oral health. Brushing and flossing daily, along with professional cleanings and exams, is the best way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss and other problems from developing.

How to brush

When brushing your teeth, we recommend that you:

  • Use a soft-bristled brush.
  • Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
  • Gently move the brush in circular motions using small, gentle strokes.
  • Hold your toothbrush in your fingertips and not your fist to ensure you only apply light pressure.
  • Make sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth and to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.

If you have any questions about brushing your teeth or experience any pain or discomfort while brushing, please contact our office.

How to floss

Flossing reaches the areas of your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach and is highly effective in removing plaque from those areas. When flossing, we recommend that you:

  • Use a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
  • Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the remaining floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
  • Grasp the floss between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it into place.
  • Bring the floss to the gumline and curve it into a C-shape against one tooth.
  • Slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel a light resistance, then move the floss up and down on the side of the tooth.
  • Remember that there are two tooth surfaces to be cleaned in each space.
  • Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between your teeth.
  • As the floss becomes soiled, move to a new section of the floss.
  • When finished, rinse with water to remove plaque and food particles.

Caring for sensitive teeth

Your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold after dental treatment. This sensitivity should not last long if your mouth is kept clean. If you do not keep your mouth clean, the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. Please speak with our dentists if your sensitivity does not subside or becomes more severe. We may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouthrinse if needed.

Choosing oral hygiene products

There are many oral hygiene aids available. Our dentists will discuss the different options available with you to help you find the right product for your needs. Common dental care products include:

  • Electric toothbrushes
  • Oral irrigators, including Waterpik® appliances
  • Interproximal brushes, including GUM® Soft-Picks®
  • Anti-plaque rinses
Professional cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing will help keep plaque to a minimum and increase your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime. However, you do need to meet with a dental regularly to have calculus removed. We recommend that you visit Children & Family Dentistry & Braces every six months as part of your ongoing treatment plan to receive a professional dental cleaning.

Contact us

We believe that everyone deserves to receive quality dental care tailored to their individual needs. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment and receive personalized, comprehensive care!