PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE

At Northside Dental we believe a little prevention goes a long way. Brushing and flossing daily are two of the most important aspects of proper dental care.

Five tips for smarter brushing:

• Brush twice a day, two minutes each time
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Your back teeth and tongue are often the most neglected parts of your mouth
• Choose a new part of your mouth every time you start brushing. This helps you make sure that the entire mouth gets a thorough brushing because the last place you brush is often the most overlooked.
• Clean your toothbrush thoroughly after each brushing and replace it every three to four months

The six most common mistakes made while brushing:

• Choosing the wrong kind of toothbrush (ask us for recommendations)
• Brushing too vigorously, which can damage teeth and gums
• Flossing too hard can also cause damage to teeth and gums
• Brushing side to side instead of up and down won’t get your teeth as clean and can also do damage
• Rushing through the process of brushing and flossing
• And forgetting to brush your gums!

Ask our office about preventive treatments like dental sealants and protective plastic coatings to help prevent decay.

And if you play sports, be sure to ask us about custom mouthguards to help protect your pearly whites.

Note: If it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, you’re overdue!