Happy young girl smiling in dental chair during preventive care visit in Plano.

Maintaining Dental Health

Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.
If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!
Brushing Instructions
Flossing Instructions
Printable instructions
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Brushing Instructions

Illustration of proper toothbrush technique on upper teeth for effective dental hygiene.
BRUSHING: STEP 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Illustration of proper toothbrush technique on upper teeth with bristles at gum line.
BRUSHING: STEP 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Proper toothbrushing technique demonstrated with soft-bristled toothbrush at correct angle to teeth.
BRUSHING: STEP 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Proper toothbrush technique for cleaning upper teeth at the gum line.
BRUSHING: STEP 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions

Two hands demonstrating proper flossing technique with green floss between fingers.
FLOSSING: STEP 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Hands demonstrating proper flossing technique between teeth.
FLOSSING: STEP 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Close-up illustration of proper flossing technique between upper front teeth.
FLOSSING: STEP 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Illustration of proper flossing technique between upper teeth.
FLOSSING: STEP 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

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