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  • Hagerstown North End Office:
  • 301-797-8987
  • Smithsburg Office:
  • 301-824-5111
  • Hagerstown Halfway Office:
  • 301-714-2244

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Preventative Dentistry

Many oral health problems can be avoided by establishing good hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing. We will customize your care to ensure your dental priorities are met. We will recommend specific options to help you achieve your dental and cosmetic goals.

Regular checkups by the dentist, as well as professional cleanings, are important for maintaining oral health. Our team is committed to keeping your smile bright and healthy. We work to prevent problems that can be avoided with proper dental attention, including infections and decay. If you are interested in learning more about preventive care, please give us a call. We look forward to helping you reach optimal oral health.

Oral Hygiene

We are committed to helping you maintain long-lasting dental health. Achieving a bright, healthy smile requires more than care from your dentist; you must also maintain a home routine of good oral hygiene habits. Some of these habits include:

Brushing

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque.

Flossing

For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day.

Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.

Healthy Diet

Your oral health and overall systemic health are closely connected. Eating healthy foods and maintaining a proper diet are vital to your dental health. Cavities are less likely to occur when you avoid sugary foods and frequent snacking. Sugary drinks and snacks coat your teeth in sugar and promote cavity-causing bacteria. Eat healthy foods and brush your teeth regularly to fight cavities. Drinking water regularly also helps flush food particles from the teeth.

If you have questions about maintaining your dental health, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We are prepared to give you the information you need to take charge of your dental health so you can enjoy a bright, beautiful smile.

Check Ups

In addition to your routine of daily brushing, flossing, and maintaining a proper diet, it is important that you visit your dentist about every six months for exams and cleanings. Your dentist or dental hygienist has been professionally trained to thoroughly clean and take care of your teeth in a way that you cannot do on your own. Exams give your dentist a chance to evaluate your dental health and help prevent any serious problems.

During the regular cleanings, you can expect your dentist or hygienist to perform the following tasks:

  • Scaling
  • Flossing
  • Polishing
  • Oral Cancer Exam

Scheduling regular cleanings will help you avoid unnecessary dental problems. Call us today, and let us know when we can schedule your next dental cleaning.