Should I Use Mouthwash?

The type of professional cleaning recommended depends on gum health and whether periodontal disease is present. Routine prophylaxis A routine preventive cleaning is generally used for patients without active periodontitis who need plaque, calculus, and stain removal. Scaling and root planing When periodontitis is diagnosed, deeper nonsurgical periodontal treatment may be used to remove deposits…

What you eat matters, but how often teeth are exposed to sugars and acids also affects cavity and erosion risk. Limit frequent sugar exposure Bacteria use fermentable carbohydrates to produce acids that can contribute to tooth decay. Frequent sipping and snacking can extend those acid exposures. Choose water often Water does not feed cavity-causing bacteria…

Professional cleanings remove plaque and hardened calculus from areas that are difficult to clean completely at home. Home care and professional care complement each other Daily brushing and interdental cleaning control plaque between visits; professional instruments can remove calculus that home tools cannot safely remove. The visit is also an opportunity to evaluate changes Preventive…

Sugar-free chewing gum can be a useful addition to oral care for some people because chewing stimulates saliva, but gum does not replace brushing or interdental cleaning. Choose sugar-free gum Gum containing sugar can add repeated carbohydrate exposure. Look for sugar-free products, including products with the ADA Seal when available. Saliva helps after meals Increased…

Regular dental visits support prevention, professional cleaning, and early evaluation of changes in the teeth and gums. What happens at preventive visits A preventive visit may include review of health changes, examination of teeth and gums, professional cleaning, appropriate radiographs, and recommendations based on your individual risk and history. Home care still does the daily…

Very early enamel demineralization may sometimes be managed with preventive measures, but a true cavitated lesion generally needs professional evaluation and often restorative treatment. Fluoride supports remineralization Fluoride toothpaste, appropriate professional fluoride, saliva, and reduced sugar frequency can help strengthen enamel that has begun to lose minerals. A hole does not grow back Once tooth…