The following are recommendations by the American Dental Associaion (ADA) to help reduce the risk of caries and gum disease.

General Recommendations

  • Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between teeth daily
  • Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks
  • See a dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease

Personalized Recommendations

  • For patients with increased risk of gum disease, consider mouth rinse or toothpaste with proven antimicrobial activity
  • For patients with increased risk of caries, consider fluoridated mouth rinse
  • For patients who struggle to clean between their teeth, consider what interdental cleaning tool (a waterpic) might be best
  • For patients seeking or needing improved plaque removal, consider a power toothbrush

Lifestyle Considerations

  • Discourage practice of do-it-yourself orthodontic treatment
  • Recommend that patients drink fluoridated water
  • Discuss tobacco cessation (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
  • Recommend that patients avoid oral piercings

For more information visit ADA.org/homecare.

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