Whoʼs the most important member of your dental health team?

You!

If you don't do your part even the very best dental care cannot keep the health of your teeth and gums from risk.

Although personal dental hygiene practices differ depending on the overall condition of your mouth and gums, the following four steps are crucial to maintaining good dental health.

1. Brush your teeth after every meal and brush at least three times a day.

2. Floss at least once a day.

3. Eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition helps you maintain healthy teeth.

4. Have your teeth examined and cleaned every six months. If you have gum disease or other conditions that place you at greater risk of oral health problems, you should have more frequent cleanings.

How to choose the best Dental Practitioner for you - questions to consider.

• Does the Dental Office accept your dental insurance plan?

• Does the dentist perform the type of services you need? Example, you

may want to find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry or a

pediatric dentist for your child.

• Are the location and hours of the office convenient for you?

• How long is the wait-time for non-emergency appointments?

• How are dental emergencies handled by their office?

• What are the fees for typical services such as x-rays or a preventive

dental appointment that includes an oral exam and teeth cleaning?

• Are payment plans or financing available through the dental office?

• If you are nervous about dental care, ask if the dentist specializes in

working with patients who are nervous about dental procedures and if

he or she offers nitrous oxide to help patients relax.

Do you know what kind of Dental Practitioner to see?

Dental/OralGeneral dentist

Much like your primary care physician, your general-care dentist examines andmonitors the condition of your teeth and gums. He or she will chart an overall plan totreat problems and to prevent future problems. A general-care dentist uses a number ofprocedures for restoring teeth that have decay, disease or have been injured.

Pediatric dentist

(also called pedodontist) Pediatric dentists have postgraduate training in working with children and conditions common to children. They have kid-size equipment and are experienced at putting children at ease.

Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentist

From teeth whitening and tooth veneers to gingival sculpting, bridges and braces-a cosmetic dentist has the tools and technology to bring a great-looking smile to your face.

Dental Hygienist

An indispensable defender of your dental health, your dental hygienist conducts initial examinations, cleans teeth, scrapes away stubborn tartar, takes x-rays and provides instruction in self-care.

Orthodontist

Making sure your teeth are straight and your teeth meet properly when you bite down is the job of an orthodontist. Braces and retainers are common tools used by an orthodontist.

Dental Surgeon

Surgery of the mouth, jaw and face are performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Common surgeries are dental implants, correcting cleft palates and repairing facial injuries such as fractured jaws.

Periodontist

Periodontists specialize in diseases of the gums and other tissues that support your teeth.

Endodontist

Have you ever had a root canal? It may have been performed by an endodontist, a specialist who focuses on the pulp-the tissues, blood vessels and nerves inside your tooth and in the tissues that surround the outside the tooth's root.