Benjamin Franklin never held public office, but he helped to shape our country in many ways.
In addition to his famous electrical experiment with a key and a kite, Franklin also invented bifocals, the first lending library in the United States, and lighting rods.
He also bestowed us with a collection of maxims through his writing and publication of Poor Richard’s Almanack. One of our favorites of those maxims is “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
This is true in many aspects of life, and it is especially true in dentistry. Preventive care is the best way for you and your family to avoid the problems caused by tooth decay and gum disease.
Here For You
Family and general dentistry are the backbone of our practice. We know that being a parent is tough, and we want to do our part to help your children understand the value of good oral care.
Our entire hygiene team — including Dr. Finley, dental hygienists, and dental assistants — can help show you the proper ways to brush and floss your teeth.
If you have questions about oral hygiene, we will be glad to answer them.
A Team Effort
Baseball season is underway, and we know that the team with the best players doesn’t always have the best record.
Why is that? It’s because teamwork requires more than talent. It requires teammates who trust one another to give their best effort. When that happens, the team is able to perform at its best.
We like to see ourselves as teammates for you and your family. You are the superstars and we are the supporting players who help you do your best.
Good Oral Health Starts At Home
While professional dental cleanings are important, your oral health depends largely on what you and your family do at home.
The American Dental Association recommends doing two things every day to maintain your oral health. First, you need to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Second, you need to floss once per day.
You need the right tools to complete any job, and here are the tools you and your family need to keep your teeth healthy:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush for each member of your family
- Toothpaste with fluoride
- Dental floss or another interdental cleaning device
Now let’s discuss what you should be doing with these tools.
Toothpaste commercials are great for promoting different brands of toothpaste, but there is one area where they go overboard. You do not need to cover your whole toothbrush with toothpaste.
From age 3 on up until adulthood, all you need is a pea-sized squeeze of toothpaste to clean your teeth. Once you have the toothpaste in place, you need to scrub your teeth on all sides. When you finish, scrub your tongue and spit out the toothpaste.
To clean between your teeth, you will need about 18 inches of any kind of floss that your prefer. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers, and hold the floss with your thumbs and forefingers.
Work the floss between each of our teeth and around your back teeth. Be sure to clean under your gumline, too, since this is another place food particles can get caught.
If you can’t use dental floss, please ask us about other tools that could help.
Professional Cleanings
Even if you are doing the things you should do at home, it’s a good idea to have a dentist or dental hygienist give you a professional cleaning and examination a couple times each year.
We will remove any tartar or plaque buildup that you may have, and we will check for cavities or signs of gum disease. When we find these things early, your treatment is often simpler and less expensive.
Parents may also be interested in our fluoride treatments and sealants.
Fluoride is a mineral. It can help repair and strengthen the protective enamel of your teeth.
Sealants can be applied to your children’s back teeth (which are the most likely to develop cavities). Sealants provide an additional barrier for bacteria. This reduces the risk of tooth decay.
Working Together For Your Family
We want you and your family to have the healthiest mouths that you can have. Like Ben Franklin, we have our own saying, “A lifetime of smiles begins here.”
The team at our dentist office in Monroe, LA, wants to help you and your children prevent oral health issues. Preventive care is the best way to do this.
Contact us today by calling 318-323-9303 or filling out our online form to schedule your next routine cleaning at Bayou Dental Group.