ORAL HEALTH RESOURCES >> Dental Disease Prevention

The best prevention of dental disease is proper homecare and regular check-ups. Because early detection of dental problems is the key to maintaining your oral health, we urge you to keep your dental appointments. For tips on taking care for your teeth and gums at home, read about brushing, flossing, diet and snacks, fluoride, and dry mouth.

Brushing

Always use a soft toothbrush with round-ended nylon bristles, and change your brush when the bristles are bent and worn.

Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion.
Brush the outside, the inside, the chewing surface, your tongue, and between your teeth.
Brush for three to four minutes, which is about as long as a song on the radio, at least twice a day.
If you cannot brush your teeth at work, rinse your mouth with water for 30 seconds after lunch, instead.

Flossing

Flossing is the most important component in the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay; it is more important than brushing.
The type of floss you use is less important than the technique.
Wind the floss around the middle finger of each hand so that you can manipulate it with your thumbs and index fingers.
Gently slide the floss below the gumline without forcing it.
Wrap the floss around one tooth in a C-shape and bring it up and down several times.
Then wrap the other tooth in a C-shape and bring the floss up and down several times.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.

Diet and Snacks

Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid snacking and sipping bottled drinks and juices throughout the day.
Sip on water and completely finish your snack or drink in a short period of time.
Keep in mind that as the number of exposures to refined carbohydrates (sugary foods) and beverages (diet, juice, bottled ice tea, sports, milk) increases, your susceptibility to decay and gum disease increases.

Fluoride

Fluoride makes tooth structure more resistant to decay.
Fluoride is present in Atlanta city drinking water.
Topical fluoride is found in toothpaste.
Fluoride is applied routinely at cleaning appointments for children between the ages of two and sixteen.
We apply fluoride on adult teeth as part of periodontal treatment to reduce sensitivity and the potential for root decay.
Although fluoride is highly beneficial for teeth, it can be harmful to young children if they ingest large amounts. For this reason, please make sure that your young child does not swallow large amounts of toothpaste.

Dry Mouth

Many prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, such as anti-hypersensitives, anti-depressants, painkillers, tranquilizers, diuretics, and antihistamines, can causedry mouth. When your salivary glands produce too little saliva, your susceptibility to tooth decay, soft tissue inflammation, pain and infection can increase. Here are some ways you can alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth:

drink eight glasses of water per day;
brush and floss your teeth and gums at least four times a day--after every meal and at bedtime;
chew sugar-free gum;
use only toothpaste that contains fluoride;
avoid foods with high sugar and salt content;
limit alcohol;
avoid tobacco; and
avoid citrus juices and caffeine.