Total Dental Fitness
for You and Your Family

Professional dental care and good dental hygiene at home are vital for the health of teeth. By following our recommended Dental Fitness Program, you and your family can greatly reduce your chances for decay and tooth loss—

Brush twice a day

Gently brush teeth for 2-4 minutes at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with rounded ends. (Hard bristles can wear down enamel and harm gum tissue.) To make cleaning easier, consider using a power toothbrush, such as the Sonicare electric toothbrush. Power brushes are designed to clean teeth gently without wearing away tooth enamel and damaging gums. Some models have set timing to let you know when you have brushed long enough.

Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean effectively, so replace toothbrushes as soon as bristles start to look frayed or bent. Manual brushes typically last less than three months; power brush bristles can last a while longer.

Floss once a day

Because plaque forms easily and quickly between teeth, you need to floss daily to eliminate the decay-causing film produced by bacteria. Floss is a very inexpensive way to care for your teeth, especially when you consider the cost of dental repair and restoration. Our dental hygienists can show you the proper way to floss.

Eat nutitious meals and avoid snacking

Eat balanced, nutritious meals. Follow a diet plan that's rich in calcium, a mineral that fortifies your bones and teeth. Eat foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, canned sardines, salmon with edible bones and tofu. Some people, especially post-menopausal women, may need calcium supplements. Talk to your primary care doctor to find out if you need more calcium in your diet.

Avoid snacking between meals and limit your intake of sweets and sugary drinks. Decay-causing bacteria thrive on sugar.

Get regular dental exams and cleanings

In addition to daily care, you should have a professional dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year. Do not depend on the claims of over-the-counter toothpastes and other oral care products alone. Decay-causing plaque builds up easily and quickly in areas where they cannot reach.

Teach your children good hygiene early

Children often learn by example, so you should begin teaching them good dental hygiene as soon as they are able to hold a toothbrush. Supervise cleaning sessions until they are seven to ten years of age. Check teeth regularly thereafter to make sure they are keeping on track. If you have an infant or very young children, read Your Child and Home Dental Hygiene for information about their special needs.

Avoid tobacco use

You will be healthier, and your teeth will be whiter and brighter if you avoid tobacco products all together. Smoking and chewing (smokeless) tobacco cause darkening and unsightly staining. Chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer. If you currently use chewing tobacco, you should get screened for oral cancer as soon as possible.

If you would like more information about our Dental Fitness Program, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail. To schedule an appointment, go to Make An Appointment now.