Oral Health Instruction

What are oral health instructions?

Our dental providers will likely discuss oral health instructions (or OHI) with you at your appointment. These instructions are based on recommendations from the American Dental Association and tailored to your specific needs. Diligent home oral care can help lessen the need for dental intervention in the future and fix issues such as bad breath.

In general, the following OHI is recommended for most patients:

1. Brush teeth two times each day, morning and night, with fluoride toothpaste.
2. Eat a healthy diet low in sugary beverages and snacks
3. Floss or use a water flosser in order to clean between teeth daily.
4. See a dentist regularly, likely every 6 months
5. Quit tobacco products, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes or vapes
6. Avoid oral piercings
7. Drink fluoridated water

For patients with increased risk or diagnosis of gum disease, including bleeding gums and gingivitis, you may be recommended to use mouth rinse or toothpaste with proven antimicrobial activity.

Patients experiencing tooth sensitivity may be encouraged to use desensitizing toothpaste for home hygiene.

For patients with an increased risk of cavities, or caries, your dental provider may encourage a fluoridated mouthwash.

Also consider reading...

• Children's Oral Hygiene
• Diet and Oral Health
• Braces Home Care