As Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By actively preventing gum disease and decay through regular home care, professional dental cleanings and regular exams, you and your family will maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. AND by avoiding costly treatments, you will save money, and maybe even your life.

Your life? 

Yes, the link between your oral health and overall health has been talked about for years.  A recent report from Harvard showed a surprising but powerful link between poor gum health and one of the deadliest diseases, pancreatic cancer.  Further, researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those without.

It all starts at home with brushing and flossing to remove the sticky film of bacteria called plaque from your teeth.  Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft toothbrush. Brush in a circular fashion at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Then gently brush back and forth on each tooth surface until you have cleaned the entire mouth. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria that causes bad breath.

Daily flossing will help remove plaque between teeth that regular brushing can’t reach. Take 12" to 18" of dental floss and wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Pull the floss tightly, and then use your thumb and forefingers to slide the floss gently between each set of teeth. Curve the floss around each tooth and move the floss up and down along the tooth, going as low as you can comfortably get under the gum line. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth until you have flossed the entire mouth.

Rinse thoroughly with water after brushing, and after meals if you are unable to brush. You may use a mouthwash to rinse, but be careful how often. Studies indicate that over-use of mouthwash in an otherwise healthy mouth impairs taste and can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.

Todd Cochran, D.M.D.