To help keep that beautiful smile...
Here are my top ten dental tips which I provide to my own patients every day to help them preserve their teeth for as long as possible. It's all about Prevention. When we work together as a team, you will have a healthy foundation that will last a lifetime. For a great smile, a great social life, and better overall health, call us at (905)206-0708 for an appointment today.
1. Visit our office regularly.
Visit our office at regular intervals. We may recommend three months, four months, six months, or longer, depending on your assessment. Visiting Dr. Steffens regularly and having your teeth cleaned helps to keep your bacteria count down. This helps to reduce your risk of developing heart ailments and diabetes. Only a professional cleaning can remove tartar that will lead to gum disease-and worse, lost teeth. Dr. Steffens will provide a thorough examination, including an oral cancer check, at your examination appointments. Dr. Steffens believes this is one of the most important reasons to visit your dentist regularly.
2. Brush and floss daily and clean your tongue.
Use a soft toothbrush and brush at least two times per day and floss your teeth daily. Flossing is so important as your toothbrush will not reach in between your teeth. Please try to change your toothbrush regularly, approximately every three months. Please try to clean your tongue daily. There are tongue cleaners available that will remove countless bacteria from the top of your tongue. These contribute to bad breath (halitosis) and negatively affect your dental health.
3. Invest your money in professional whitening.
Looking for that Hollywood smile! Dr. Steffens and her team believe there is nothing more attractive than beautiful white teeth. Dr. Steffens provides in office bleaching and take home bleaching. She currently offers ZOOM! in-office whitening and Zoom! take home bleaching. Dr. Steffens has over 20 years of experience providing in office and take home bleaching to her patients. All in office bleaching is done personally by Dr. Steffens.
4. Replace your missing teeth.
Please try to replace any teeth that have been lost as soon as possible. Replacing missing teeth improves your chewing, helps to prevent bone loss, improves speech, helps to reduce wrinkles and has many other benefits. Many options are available such as bridges, implants and dentures. Speak with Dr. Steffens and her team today about your replacement options.
5. Invest your money in a nightguard to protect your valuable teeth. Also please wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
A nightguard is so important to protect your teeth and your valuable dental work. Please speak with Dr. Steffens about the benefits of a nightguard and why she believes so strongly in this investment. A custom made mouthguard done by Dr. Steffens and her staff is vital to protect your precious teeth if you play sports. Ask us why it will protect your teeth so much more than a store bought stock mouthguard!!
6. Please don't wear your dentures at night.
If you have dentures, please always remove your dentures at night to give the tissues in your mouth a chance to breathe. Don't forget to store them in a denture container. If you wrap them in a tissue, they may be lost or thrown away.
7. Please keep your teeth apart during the day.
Always try to keep your teeth apart during the day. Try to not press on your teeth during the day unless you are eating. Your teeth will last longer. Ask Dr. Steffens and her team why!
8. Please avoid eating hard foods and eat a balanced diet.
Try to make softer food choices to prolong the life of your teeth. Ask Dr. Steffens and her team why! Eat a balanced diet to ensure an adequate supply of minerals and vitamins. Limit sugary snacks that feed bacteria. Make healthy food choices at mealtime and snacking. Visit our healthy snacking section located in the family section for more tips .
9. Please chew your food slowly.
Always chew your food slowly and carefully. If you eat too quickly, you may chew into a hard piece of food such as a bone or a popcorn kernel, which may damage your tooth permanently.
10. Stop using tobacco products.
Smoking and smokeless tobacco increase your risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Tobacco products have many detrimental effects on your oral health. Keep alcohol consumption moderate particularly when combined with tobacco. We are here to help you and support you!