BI-ANNUAL DENTAL CLEANINGS 
FOR PATIENTS IN MENTOR, OH & THE SURROUNDING AREAS

While we do our best to ensure your dental problems are met with expert care, true dental care begins at home. It's up to you to make sure you're taking proper care of your teeth throughout the year. Each time you meet with a dentist at Mentor Smiles, feel free to ask any questions regarding your at-home dental care, routine, or products you have been trying. Our job is to help you adjust in order to make the best dental hygiene choices possible.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you're taking proper care of your teeth at home:

• Don't go to bed without brushing. It's almost too easy to forget to brush your teeth or be too tired to get up and go to the bathroom at night. However, it's important to remove the buildup of plaque that has accumulated throughout the day before falling asleep. 
• Brush properly.   You should gently brush your teeth at an angle with small, circular back-and-forth motions. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can actually damage your gums.
• Don't ignore your tongue!   Your tongue should be getting just as much attention as your teeth. Plaque buildup on the tongue can lead to bad breath and other oral health problems if not treated properly.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.   Many individuals tend to look for toothpastes labeled as "whitening" or flavored with a certain element. Whatever your choice, make sure there is also fluoride present in your toothpaste, as it defends against tooth decay.
• Floss. You should floss once a day not only to remove any bits of food that have become wedged between your teeth, but also to reduce plaque, stimulate the gums, and help lower inflammation.
• Use a mouthwash. Mouthwash can be used to target those hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush and floss can't get. Children and elderly individuals can have an especially difficult time brushing. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth and clean those tough spots in and around your gums.

Notice something wrong with your teeth or gums? We can diagnose and treat any ailments that may have developed in your mouth.