To maintain your teeth and gums, use a soft toothbrush. Regularly brush for 2 minutes twice a day to remove bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Soft-bristle brushes are gentler on the mouth's tissues than other types of toothbrushes like power ones which may be easier if you have trouble using your hands due to arthritis or poor grip strength from diabetes/deformity in many fingers. To avoid inadvertently brushing too hard when cleaning, replace an old toothbrush every 3-4 months (or sooner) because bent bristles aren't as effective at removing plaque buildup - also called tartar - so it might take longer than two minutes per session!

Flossing your teeth daily is an essential part of oral hygiene. It clears food and plaque from the tight spaces between them, preventing tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease or tooth decay if left untreated for too long. There are many different types of floss you can use depending on what's easiest for you - waxed vs unwaxed, dental picks as opposed to using individual strands by hand with fingers tightly gripping each end - but they all work equally well in every case.

Mouthwashes can help your oral health when used in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Your dentist may recommend a specific mouthwash for you, which will vary depending on the type of problem that needs to be addressed. For instance, gum disease sufferers might need two rinses per day while people suffering from dry mouths could use an alcohol-free variety instead of one containing alcohol as it would exacerbate their condition. Kids under six should not use mouthwash as they may swallow it.

You should visit your dentist if you have any of the following issues. If you have a child, get them checked if they are having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness: • Mouth sores • Jaw pain • Redness • Swollen face or gums • Tooth sensitivity • Broken teeth • Dry mouth • Bleeding gums • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth Getting checked early will help prevent more serious problems.

#5 Why do I need dental exams? Getting a regular exam at the dentist can help to spot problems early and prevent bigger, more costly treatments later. The first step is cleaning off any buildup of plaque on your teeth so that they are clean for examination by the dental hygienist. If it has been awhile since your last dental hygienist appointment, you may experience some sore or sensitive areas due to lack of attention in between visits with our dentists! You should get an exam every 6 months (or sooner if recommended) because getting checked out regularly will allow us to catch anything before it becomes something much worse down the line!

As a patient, you can expect to get x-rays during your first exam after not seeing the dentist for some time. This helps check tooth and gum health. If you have gum disease or other issues that require an x-ray, then it's likely every 6 months if anything changes in the treatment plan from your dentist. For regular teeth cleanings with no problems found by earlier examinations: two years without any major dental work is usually enough before another full set of pictures are required! Because children’s teeth are changing and because they get cavities more easily, they may have more x-rays done than adults.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Kids should use fluoride-based toothpaste to brush their teeth because it can be swallowed while brushing but is safe for dental health in small doses. Adults also benefit from using this product both inside as well to help protect against cavities or other problems like bad breath.