• Meet Our Staff

• Cosmetic Smile Design
• Porcelain Veneers
• Teeth Whitening
• Mercury-Free White Fillings
• Tooth Bonding
• Porcelain Inlays
• Instant Orthodontics

• Sedation Dentistry Benefits
• Common Questions

• TMJ Symptoms
• TMJ Treatments

• Root Canal
• Dentures & Partials
• Full Mouth Rejuvenation
• Tissue Recontouring
• Same-Day Crowns

• Dental Hygiene
• Childrens Dentistry
• Extractions
• Cavity Removal

• CEREC Technology
• Digital x-rays
• Dental Laser
• Pain Management

Proper Dental Hygiene

Serving Sonora, near Stockton & Modesto

“Brush and floss at least twice a day.”

 “Come in for a check-up and cleaning twice a year.”

 “Enjoy sugary snacks in moderation.”

“Skip the peanut brittle and candy apples.”

Sound familiar? 
Great dental advice has withstood the test of time. In spite of all the wonderful technology and improved dental capabilities, you, the patient, still play the most important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

It is our responsibility as dental professionals to deliver preventative knowledge, along with meticulous care. It's a fact that teeth and gums will suffer from signs of wear and tear with time. Unfortunately, even the most dedicated person may not be impervious to dental decay; but you can minimize your risks by keeping your dental hygiene routine on track.

Cavities and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky substance formed when food molecules and bacteria bind to enamel and gums. Plaque begins to form on teeth as little as 20 minutes after you eat or drink. If left idle for too long, plaque can turn to tartar which requires a Hygienist to remove. Dental hygiene is the number one defense against plaque.

Here are some recommendations to help you maintain an effective home care routine:

• Don't cut corners when you brush. For a thorough and effective sweep, spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth, upper and lower, and remember to brush the gums and tongue.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, and replace your toothbrush about every 3 months.
• Brush with and ADA-accepted, tartar control toothpaste.

• Brush the outward faces of teeth, the tops, the biting surfaces, and the inside surfaces.
• Pay special attention to the gumline – this is where bacteria hides and plaque tends to build.
• Floss thoroughly, hitting every space on the upper and lower arches each time.
• Rinse after flossing to coax loose food particles out.
• You may choose to rinse with a fluoride rinse or mouthwash for the final step in your routine.
• Schedule visits with your dentist on a strict timeline – every six months, more frequently as recommended. Professional cleanings hit hard-to-reach places and build-ups that are resistant to brushing and flossing. Regular visits are essential in catching small areas of plaque and tartar build-up before they have a chance to do damage.
• Dental hygiene also includes using your teeth wisely. Enamel is susceptible to injury, just like any other body part. Don't use teeth to open things, or chew on objects that weren't meant for chewing. And go easy on things like hard candies and other foods that may be accidents waiting to happen.

Take part in prevention and save your smile from harm. Don't become a victim of the two forms of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. Your smile is counting on you!

Find modern technology and artistic skill with Sonora family dentist Dr. Paul Berger. Call or email Central Sierra Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today for your smile enhancement consultation.