There are several steps patients can take to maintain their oral health. Dr. Jameela Jifri and her team advise patients to follow these few simple recommendations:

• Brush and floss after each meal. Even after snacks and drinking beverages, patients should brush their teeth to remove sugars and acids from the teeth that can contribute to cavities. Patients should also floss between their teeth at least once a day to remove food particles that can help bacteria grow in the mouth and cause periodontal disease to develop.
• Visit the dentist every six months. Patients should take great care in protecting their teeth from a variety of issues. In addition to home care, patients should have a standing appointment with their dentist every six months. These visits often consist of a thorough cleaning and evaluation. If there are any concerns found by the dental team, recommendations are made to treat them.
• Don’t ignore dental health problems. Whether you are noticing pain in a tooth or bleeding gums, any changes to your dental health should be evaluated as soon as possible. Many dental problems are treatable in their early stages but may cause permanent damage if completely ignored. Even between six month recall visits, patients should see their dentist for an evaluation.