Dental Hygiene
Make a Plan for Good Dental Hygiene at Home
Great dental hygiene begins at home. Any dentist will tell you that a great smile starts in front of the mirror every morning, when you brush, floss and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Our goal at Apopka Smiles is to make sure our patients receive the best oral health care and dental services in the region. We can't do it without the help of each patient.
Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
With the help of our staff, each patient develops a daily oral hygiene routine that keeps their teeth healthy and white. A strong routine includes:
- Brushing twice a day. Brush every surface of every tooth, including along the gum line.
- Flossing daily. Floss removes plaque and food from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach.
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria.
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, which feed the bacteria that cause decay.
Brushing, flossing and rinsing prevent plaque and tartar from forming on the teeth and at the gum line. For older patients, daily oral hygiene is even more important to minimize the risk of gingivitis and decay.
Professional Care at Apopka Smiles
Even the best home routine needs professional support. Our hygiene services include:
- Cleanings and exams to remove plaque and tartar and catch problems early
- Digital X-rays, which produce almost 80 percent less radiation than traditional X-rays
- Oral cancer screening at least once a year
- Dental sealants to help protect children's teeth from decay
Caring for Your Gums
Your gums are an important part of your mouth. Apopka Smiles provides periodontal cleanings and treatment to keep your gums clean and healthy. If you have signs of gingivitis, such as red, swollen or bleeding gums, we may recommend scaling and root planing followed by periodontal maintenance. If your gums need additional treatment, we'll refer you to a specialist. Learn more on our Periodontic page.
Hygiene for the Whole Family
Patients of all ages are welcome at Apopka Smiles. Parents can start caring for their children's teeth almost immediately after birth. Visit our Kids Dentistry page for tips on children's dental care. Athletes of any age can protect their teeth with a custom mouth guard.
Make the Most of Your Insurance
Many dental insurance plans cover preventive visits. Apopka Smiles is in-network with most PPO insurance providers, and our financial staff will submit claims on your behalf. Read Don't Let Those Dental Insurance Benefits Expire! and check our Specials page for new patient offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see the dentist for a cleaning?
Our dentist will recommend the right schedule for you based on the health of your teeth and gums.
Is mouthwash necessary?
Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, along with brushing and flossing, helps prevent plaque and tartar from forming.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis. Schedule an exam so we can check your gums and recommend treatment.
Need more information? Give Apopka Smiles a call at 407-788-6888.
