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.