Patient Education

Healthy Habits

The most important habit you can cultivate to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to brush and floss every day. Brush for at least 2 minutes, at least twice a day, and floss between each and every tooth once daily.

Choosing a toothbrush

Always look for toothbrushes, pastes, and flosses with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance; these products have been evaluated by an independent body of scientific experts on behalf of the ADA, so you can be sure they’re safe and effective.

ADA Seal of Acceptance

Choose a soft-bristled brush; hard bristles can aggravate and damage your gums and tooth enamel. Also be sure you’ve chosen a brush that’s the proper size and shape for your mouth. A brush that is too big or too small won’t reach everywhere in your mouth that plaque hides.

Best brushing practices

The American Dental Association suggests brushing at a 45 degree angle, in short, gentle strokes:

How to Brush by the American Dental Association

Finally, be sure to finish up your brushing routine with floss, which cleans in between your teeth where no brush can reach.

Don’t forget your regular check-up

An equally important habit, of course, is regular professional dental care. We encourage our patients to visit once every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning.

 

Back to Patient Education