Preventive Oral Health Care
    When your teeth are clean and free of debris, your gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss, and when bad breath is not a constant problem, you are very likely practicing good oral hygiene. An integral part of preventive oral health includes regular visits to your dentist for tooth cleaning, diagnostic x-rays, oral exams and health screenings.
  Practice preventive oral health for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Healthy teeth enable you to eat and speak... and to look and feel your best. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth, your overall health and well-being.
  Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing can prevent oral health problems before they occur. Prevention is far less painful, expensive and worrisome than treating conditions that have progressed into oral disease.

Child Oral Health - Instill proper oral hygiene routines as early as possible. Clean your infant’s gums after each feeding with a wet cloth or gauze pad to stimulate gum tissue and remove food. As teeth erupt, brush them gently with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. At age two or three, begin to teach your child proper brushing techniques. Your child’s first dental visit should be around his or her first birthday. 
Avoid Baby Bottle Decay - Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle, unless it is water. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when children fall asleep with milk, formula, juice, or other sweet liquids that leave sugar in the mouth, which combines with bacteria to produce acids, causing decay.
Sealants - Many dentists recommend the use of sealants applied to your child’s back teeth to prevent cavities. A sealant is a thin plastic coating that is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the teeth where most cavities form. The grooves and crevices on chewing surfaces can capture food and provide an environment for decay to develop. Applying sealant is a quick and painless procedure that does not require local anesthetic.
Mouthguards - Mouthguards are specially made to cover and protect teeth from a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of your mouth. Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a custom-fitted mouthguard prepared by a dentist.
Toothbrushing - Dentists recommend brushing for 2-3 minutes to reach all areas and remove cavity-causing bacteria. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride. Tilt the brush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline and sweep the  

 

brush away from the gumline. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth and your tongue to remove bacteria. Brush at least twice a day and especially after meals. Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
Flossing - Flossing is used to remove plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums. When used properly, flossing can also remove plaque that forms under the gums. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and gently wind it around the middle finger on each hand. Then, using the thumbs and index fingers for control, bring the floss between the teeth, up and down several times forming a “C” shape to go below the gumline. Floss at least once a day for optimal oral health.
Mouth Rinses - Mouth rinses are available over the counter to refresh the mouth; therapeutic rinses have added active ingredients that are antiplaque/antigingivitis and anticavity. Follow your dentist’s recommendation when selecting a mouth rinse. After each meal, or at least twice daily, brush, floss, then rinse. Heed all precautions on product labels.
Oral Hygiene - Healthy Heart - Clinical studies have shown links between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages, and stroke. Regular visits to your dentist for oral and periodontal screening and tooth cleaning can benefit your overall health.
Gum Disease PreMedication - More than 75% of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease begins with plaque, which can accumulate and harden into a substance called calculus (tarter). In early stage gingivitis, gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis when the gum and bone recede from the teeth. Without intervention, this condition ultimately leads to tooth loss.
Premedication - If you have certain heart conditions, recently had major surgery or have other serious health conditions, antibiotics may be prescribed before your dental visit. Premedication can prevent bacteria in your mouth from entering the bloodstream and reaching the heart, presenting a serious risk of inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. Prior to your dental appointment, discuss premedication with your physician and dentist.
Oral Cancer Screening - During your dental cleaning and exam, your dental professionals perform oral cancer screening to detect abnormalities in your mouth, lips, tongue and surrounding tissues. If you use tobacco products, your dentist will remind you that smoking and smokeless tobacco present a major risk factor for oral and pharyngeal cancer.
Women and Oral Health - Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can affect many tissues, including gum tissue. Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, may develop when hormone levels change during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Tell your dentist about changes in your gums and mouth to treat symptoms of gingivitis.
Diabetes Detection - As many as 16 million Americans have diabetes with nearly half of that number unaware they have the potentially deadly condition. Sue to the link between gum disease and diabetes, symptoms of the disease often appear in the mouth. Dental hygienists may detect symptoms of diabetes during routine oral health examinations enabling patients to receive appropriate medical and dental treatment.
Tobacco Cessation - Your hygienist or dentist can discuss tobacco cessation intervention and recommend a host of resources available online and through hotlines (e.g., http://www.smokefree.gov/; http://www.quitnet.com/).