Dental Hygiene

At Gdental, our primary goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy so you can avoid future restorative and periodontal treatments. The commitment to dental health begins at home with good brushing and flossing habits. By investing in your oral hygiene, you can keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay and have healthy teeth that last a lifetime.

The ADA recommends, in most cases, that adults and children visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and examination.

Regular professional dental cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy and allow us to identify issues in their earliest stages. During these check-ups, your dentist may also identify problem areas to work on at home and offer instruction to help you brush and floss thoroughly between visits. During regular visits at our dental office we will:

• Thoroughly clean plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth using specialized dental tools.
• Check for cavities and gum disease.
• Provide head and neck exams to detect lesions and oral tissue inconsistencies, which may be early warning signs of oral cancer.
• Protect your teeth with treatments like fluoride to keep your teeth healthier, longer.

By taking proper care of your teeth and gums at home, you are laying a solid foundation for your long-lasting dental health. Here are the basics everyone should practice:

• Brush at least twice a day. Always remember: two minutes, twice a day. When you allow food particles and residue from sugary drinks to build on your teeth, you create an opportunity for bacteria to flourish. This is the perfect recipe for tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss when you brush. Flossing cleans where brushing alone cannot reach; it’s not an option but instead an essential part of good dental hygiene. 
• Choose tooth-healthy foods and beverages. Some foods and drinks are healthier for our teeth than others. Avoid sugary foods and drinks; when you do partake, brush afterward or at the very least rinse your mouth with water.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash. If you are prone to cavities, using a fluoride mouthwash or prescription fluoride toothpaste are great extra steps for home care that can help keep your teeth free of decay. Drinking tap water can also help since most public water sources in the US contain fluoride to promote tooth health.

Tooth Decay: Signs of tooth decay include a persistent dull ache or a sharp stabbing pain that does not go away. An infected tooth may be more sensitive to heat or cold, pain on biting, or have a change in color, appearing darker than surrounding teeth.

Gum Disease: Dental problems develop slowly, and often painlessly. Gum disease, in particular, usually proceeds silently. And yet, early intervention is important in minimizing complications. Healthy gums are firm and generally pink in color. If your gums become red or swollen, if they begin to bleed easily, or if you have persistent bad breath, you are experiencing early warning signs that should alert you to the need for professional dental care.

Call us today at 212-486-6622 to schedule your appointment.