Preventive Care
Stopping dental problems before they start — routine care that protects your teeth and gums for the long term.
General & Preventive
Preventive dentistry is the foundation of a healthy smile at every age. By caring for your teeth at home and keeping regular checkups, you can help prevent the buildup of plaque and reduce your risk of decay and gum disease — often catching small issues before they become larger ones.
Everyday habits that protect your smile
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, gently cleaning the tongue as well to help freshen breath.
- Clean between your teeth by flossing daily; an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reach areas a brush may miss.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and drinks. Nutritious choices such as vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, and fruit support a healthy mouth.
- Keep regular checkups and professional cleanings so we can monitor your oral health over time.
- Ask us about dental sealants, which can add protection to the grooves of the back teeth where decay often begins.
- If you play sports, ask about a custom athletic mouthguard to help protect your smile.
Many patients benefit from a checkup and cleaning about every six months, though your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs. See the illustrated brushing and flossing guides below for the proper technique.
Technique Guide
Brushing, step by step
Brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Follow these four steps to clean every surface gently and thoroughly.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Brush gently in a circular motion along the outer surfaces.
Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Use the tip of the brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Technique Guide
Flossing, step by step
Floss once a day to clean between teeth where a brush can't reach. Use about 18 inches of floss and a fresh section for each tooth.
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with.
Hold the floss taut and guide it gently between your teeth with your thumbs and forefingers.
Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it gently beneath the gumline.
Move the floss up and down, then repeat with a clean section for each tooth.
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