You only need to use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste each time you brush. You should be brushing at minimum twice a day for two minutes each time. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and be replaced every three to four months, or more frequently if your toothbrush is visibly damaged or bristles are fraying. The American Dental Association states that both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective. However, we recommend electric toothbrushes.
Your toothbrush should be changed at least every 3-4 months. It should be replaced more frequently if it is showing physical signs of wear such as frayed bristles.
Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Its purpose is not just removing food from between your teeth, but also plaque that would otherwise lead to decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Tests have shown that it may actually be beneficial to floss before brushing to allow the fluoride in your toothpaste to coat all sides of your teeth.
The first step to flossing is making sure your hands are clean. Then use about a foot and a half of floss, winding it around your fingers to only expose a few inches at a time. When flossing, remember there are two sides to each gap between teeth. Use the floss to scoop out plaque following the curve of the tooth. As you move on to the next tooth, remember to unwind the floss from your fingers to use a clean section. Ask our dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the proper technique at your next appointment.
Properly brushing and flossing every day, twice a day is necessary for a healthy smile, but it is not a substitute for professional cleanings. Only professional cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque buildup that leads to gum disease. The most effective way to ensure the health of your teeth and gums is to come in for your routine cleanings.
The American Dental Association recommends coming in for a dental cleaning every 6 months. However, patients who are more prone to gingivitis are recommended to come in more often, every three to four months, to prevent infections. This is also recommended for patients with dental implants.
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a preventable infection that can damage and destroy teeth to the point of tooth loss. It begins with the buildup of plaque and tartar from oral bacteria. Warning signs to look out for include bleeding gums, receding gums, swollen gums, and even the loss of teeth.
Luckily gum disease is treatable, and can be detected by your dentist even in early stages. If left untreated it can lead to serious health concerns such as a risk of stroke and heart attack. Your oral health is tied to your overall health.
Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry in that its purpose is not oral health, but rather aesthetic appearance. At Care Dental, our cosmetic dentistry team will work with you to create the personalized results you’ve always dreamed of. Your perfect smile is just a consultation away.
Dental veneers are a uniquely made cosmetic device that enhances the appearance of your teeth. These custom made shells are used to improve color, shape, reduce gaps, and erase chips. There are different kinds of veneers that vary drastically in cost and durability. The two types of veneers are porcelain and resin. Porcelain is more durable.
Dental implants are the gold standard for restoring missing teeth. These implants bolt into your jaw bone for the most secure and realistic anchor. The cap or crown is then attached to this structure for a realistic appearance. Another option for missing teeth is dental bridges. A dental bridge is different from a crown in that its purpose is not to cover a damaged tooth, but to bridge the gap of a missing tooth.
Whitening your teeth is the quickest way to change your smile. A daily cup of coffee or glass of red wine in the evening takes a toll on the appearance of your teeth. You could take years of stains off your teeth with just one hour in our office. Whether you have an upcoming wedding, job interview, or party, let professional teeth whitening give you the confidence boost you need.
Aside from being extremely noticeable and unsightly, amalgam fillings can cause more harm to your health. They often contain mercury or other heavy metals that can affect your health. Another issue with these fillings is that they do not bend when pressure is applied to the tooth, and this cause more cracks in the teeth. This is why we recommend if you have amalgam filling to replace them.
Aligning your teeth isn’t just for cosmetic reasons. It changes the position of your entire mouth. This includes the jaw and tongue. Changing the position of your jaw and where your tongue rests in your mouth can open up your airway and alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.
By straightening your teeth, you could also be treating other health concerns. Crowded and misaligned teeth make it harder to brush and floss properly. By straightening your teeth, you can do a better job of flossing and brushing. This is why patients with straighter teeth are less likely to have gum disease or tooth decay.
If you knock out a tooth, timing is very important to save the tooth. You need to get to a dentist or endodontist within 30 minute. Your first step is to pick up the tooth by the crown, never by the root. Next rinse off the tooth with water only. Do NOT use any products on your tooth and do not scrub or dry it off. If possible, return the tooth to its socket and hold it in place. If the tooth cannot be immediately placed back into the socket, make sure to keep it moist either in your mouth or in milk. Do not keep the tooth in regular tap water. Next, go see a dentist! Ideally you should go to the dentist within 30 minutes, but it is possible to save a tooth even outside of that time frame.
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If you need to schedule an appointment with us, you can do so by filling out the Appointment Request form on our website. Simply provide us with your information and preferred date and time, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm your appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile at Care Dental in Huntington Park.
Welcome to Care Dental, your trusted dental clinic in Huntington Park! We offer a wide range of services from routine checkups to specialized procedures. Our team of skilled dentists prioritize patient comfort with state-of-the-art equipment. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options for accessibility. Join us at Care Dental for quality, personalized care and a positive experience.
