Brushing and Flossing: Dr. Mary Rose suggests brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. When selecting a toothbrush, use a soft bristled toothbrush. The soft bristles are safer on your gums. Flossing is very important. It keeps your teeth and your gums healthy. Flossing also helps remove food particles trapped between your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
Toothpaste: There is a wide variety of toothpaste on the market today. Dr. Mary Rose suggests using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria, slows down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel as well as reverses early signs of tooth decay.
Diet: A healthy diet is important for your overall health including your oral health. Eating a variety of healthy foods (fruits, grains, vegetables, fluoridated water, protein and dairy) provides essential nutrients needed to have healthy teeth and gums. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, your risk for gum disease, infection and tooth loss increases.
Nighttime Teeth Grinding/Clinching: To avoid damage to your teeth, Dr. Mary Rose suggests an occlusal guard worn at night. The mouthguard will protect your teeth, prevent headaches associated with grinding and clinching and will improve your sleep quality.
Regular Dental Visits: Dr. Mary Rose recommends scheduling regular hygiene visits. During your visit, Dr. Mary Rose will be able to check for tooth decay, gum diseases, or any other potential problems.
If you have any questions about maintaining a proper level of oral hygiene, Dr. Mary Rose would be happy to answer any concerns you may have during your visit to our office.