Visiting San Francisco Dental Partners twice a year will keep your teeth and gums healthy and will enable us to catch any problems or disease early. Maintaining good oral health is closely related to your body's overall health. When you visit regularly we can help you:

• Prevent tooth decay

• Protect against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss

• Prevent bad breath — brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath

• Prevent bacteria in the mouth from traveling to toher important parts of the body such as the cardiovascular system

• Maintain an attractive smile and increase your self-confidence

• Keep your teeth free from stains caused by food, drinks, and tobacco

• Strengthen your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

• Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day.

• When brushing your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue. This helps remove all remaining particles of fod and brushes away bacteria that causes plaque buildup.

• Use toothpaste that contains flouride, and ask us if you need a flouride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.

• Avoid foods that are high in sugar. Sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities. When eating foods that are naturally sweet such as fruit, brush your teeth soon after.

• Avoid tobacco use which can stain your teeth, cause gum disease and lead to oral cancer.

• Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist within six months of the first tooth coming in and no later than one yar of age. Getting your child used to seeing the dentist at an early age helps to make it a positive experience and sets the stage for maintaining good oral health for life.

At San Francisco Dental Partners, we recommend that adults, teens and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, follow the directions provided because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. We encourage patients with gum disease to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to prevent bacteria from spreading. If you have been sick, change your toothbrush as soon as symptoms begin to subside. This prevents the germs cuasing the illness to reinfect your body.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up over time. Periodontal disease can also be caused by tobacco use, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Early stage gum disease, or gingivitis, is easily detected by your dental hygienist and is highly treatable, thus preventing advanced gum disease. Advanced periodontal disease is an irreversible condition and ultimately leads to tooth and bone loss. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting our office at San Francisco Dental Partners every six months will prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. If you notice any of these signs of gum disease, please make an appointment to visit us as soon as possible:

• Red, sore, swollen or bleeding gums

• Chronic bad breath

• Loose teeth, or loss of teeth

• Tooth sensitivity that is not normal for the individiual

• Receding gum line

• Abcessed teeth or other sign of infection