At Richview Family Dentistry, we believe in regular dental check-ups, but your at-home oral health care is just as important.

The following are recommendations from the American Dental Association.

General Recommendations

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily.
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
• See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

Personalized Recommendations

• If you have an increased risk of gum disease, consider mouth rinse or toothpaste with proven antimicrobial activity.
• If you have an increased risk of caries, consider fluoridated mouth rinse.
• If you struggle with cleaning between your teeth, ask us about interdental cleaning tools.
• If you need improved plaque removal, consider a power toothbrush.

Lifestyle Considerations

• Richview Family Dentistry discourages
  • The use of do-it-yourself orthodontic treatments*
  • Tobacco usage and/or smokeless tobacco
  • Oral piercings
• Richview Family Dentistry recommends
  • Drinking fluoridated water

* Some of the dangers of DIY at home orthodontics include:

• Choking on makeshift brackets
• Metal clips such as paper clips and other metals can become toxic if left in the mouth for extended periods
• The snapping of bands directly onto your teeth can crack your enamel. Enamel loss is permanent
• The gums can become infected, resulting in serious and often expensive treatment
• Crooked smiles due to teeth being moved at the wrong angle
• Pain and lacerations from bands sinking into soft tissue
• Long term issues and pain from moving teeth too quickly
  

If it’s been a while since your last check-up or if you’re new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!