MA’s Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Preventive Dental Care Essentials

Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.

If it’s been six months since your last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

Brushing Instructions

Animated illustration of a mouth with teeth and toothbrush demonstrating proper brushing technique for effective oral hygiene.

Brushing: Step 1

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.

Illustration of a toothbrush positioned at a 45-degree angle against gums, demonstrating proper brushing technique for oral hygiene.

Brushing: Step 2

Brush gently in a circular motion.

Animation of a toothbrush positioned at a 45-degree angle, brushing the outer surfaces of teeth, illustrating proper oral hygiene techniques for effective dental care.

Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

Animation of a toothbrush positioned at a 45-degree angle brushing the inner surfaces of teeth, illustrating proper brushing technique for effective oral hygiene.

Brushing: Step 4

Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions

Animated illustration of a mouth with teeth and toothbrush demonstrating proper brushing technique for effective oral hygiene.

Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

Illustration of a toothbrush positioned at a 45-degree angle against gums, demonstrating proper brushing technique for oral hygiene.

Flossing: Step 2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

Person using dental floss between teeth, demonstrating proper flossing technique as part of oral hygiene instructions.

Flossing: Step 3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

Illustration of a person using dental floss between teeth, demonstrating proper flossing technique for oral hygiene as part of preventive dental care.