Preventive Dental Care

Preventative dental care is vital for the long-term health of your mouth. This includes both how we clean our mouths as well as what we put into it in terms of diet. Studies have shown that tooth loss leads to malnutrition and lower quality of life as a whole. Poor health of your mouth is also very closely linked to poor overall health in other systems of your body including cardiovascular (heart disease), endocrine (diabetes), and others. 

Brushing your teeth regularly is vital for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing tooth loss. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after each meal and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using fluoride toothpaste will help to remove plaque and other food particles from the service of the teeth as well as strengthen your teeth.

Pay extra attention to the gums! Brush softly at an angle into where the gums and teeth meet to help prevent excess buildup. Finally, brush the surface of your tongue to remove any lingering food particles and keep your breath smelling good.

• Brushing Instructions

Along with brushing your teeth it is important to complete any oral hygiene routine by flossing daily. Bacteria can often linger in between teeth in tough-to-reach places unable to clean with just a toothbrush. A large percentage of our tooth surface is next to the other teeth, making it impossible to clean effectively without using floss. If you are not flossing you’re missing out on cleaning almost half of your overall tooth! You wouldn’t forget to clean between your toes if you walked around barefoot, would you?

• Flossing Instructions

Eating a balanced diet and avoiding excess sugars will help to keep your mouth clean and your teeth and body healthy. This will also help to avoid other potential mouth-related issues such as snoring and sleep apnea. 

Stay up-to-date on checkups with your dentist at Venetian Pointe Dentistry in Orlando, Florida. A checkup every 6 months will go a long way in maintaining proper oral health and hygiene. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6 months, call VP Dentistry today!

Are you an athlete? Ask your dentist about custom mouthguards to keep your teeth and mouth free of injury.

Ask your dentist about preventative measures such as dental sealants and protective coatings that can be applied onto your teeth that partake in excessive chewing. This can help avoid tooth decay, cavities, or other more serious dental issues. 

Call your dentist at VP Dentistry today if you have any questions on preventative dental care, or to schedule a checkup.

Printable instructions >

---

Brushing Instructions

• Brushing: Step 1

  Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.

• Brushing: Step 2

  Brush gently in a circular motion.

• Brushing: Step 3

  Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

• Brushing: Step 4

  Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

---

Flossing Instructions

• 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.

• Flossing: Step 2

  Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your 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.

• Flossing: Step 4

  Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.