Build a daily foundation
Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, reaching the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces. Clean between teeth every day with floss or another suitable interdental cleaner. Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and choose water between meals. These habits help control plaque; hardened tartar needs professional removal.
Choose tools you can use comfortably
A powered toothbrush, floss holder, interdental brush, or water flosser may help with difficult spaces, braces, or limited dexterity. Ask for a demonstration around your own teeth and restorations. Mouthwash may be an addition for a specific need, but it does not replace brushing or interdental cleaning. Supervise children and use age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste amounts: a rice-sized smear under age three and a pea-sized amount from ages three through six.
Match professional care to your needs
Regular examinations can identify problems before they hurt. Tell the team about pregnancy, diabetes, tobacco use, dry mouth, medicines, or difficulty cleaning. Agree on an examination and cleaning schedule based on your findings and risk; imaging and deep cleaning are recommended when clinically indicated, not automatically at every visit. Ask which change matters most now and how improvement will be checked. New pain, swelling, persistent bleeding, or a mouth sore that does not heal deserves attention between scheduled visits.
GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Is this the original April 2022 newsletter?
No. The original issue discussed preventive care. This page provides newly written guidance on that same subject and does not reproduce the historical wording or imply that current advice was published in 2022.