Brought to you by Todd Gifford, DMD, Gifford Family Dentistry - DENTAL INSIDER

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Follow these best practices for a brighter, healthier smile:

Choose wisely

For sensitive teeth, try toothpaste with potassium nitrate. Tend to get cavities? Prescription strength fluoride pastes will help. A soft-bristle brush head cleans without damaging teeth and gums. I use CariFree products and a Sonicare toothbrush.

It's about time

Brush two minutes twice a day.

Have a game plan

A random approach leaves areas neglected. Pick a starting point and slowly work your way around from tooth to tooth spending about 3 seconds on each surface as you go.

Technique matters

Direct bristles toward gum line at an angle and use circular motion with a light touch rotating your brush to fit into the spaces between teeth.

Clean your tongue

Bacteria and food particles hide on the tongue surface. Tongue scrapers remove them and improve breath. I use the BreathRx tongue scraper.

Only floss the ones you want to keep

Failure to clean between teeth leaves harmful bacteria and food particles behind, leading to a higher incidence of tooth loss. Your dental hygienist can help you perfect your technique making this critical daily task easier for you.

Reputable Online Resources

www.checkyourmouth.org

from the Oral Cancer Foundation®

www.mouthhealthy.org and www.mouthhealthykids.org

from the American Dental Association®

www.knowyourteeth.com

from the Academy of General Dentistry®

Dr. Gifford and his team are here to help.

Call for an appointment today!

Gifford Family Dentistry

1616 SW Sunset Blvd., Suite E

Portland, OR 97239

503-246-1710

www.giffordfamilydentistry.com