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We ask every patient "Why do you brush your teeth?" Is it because Mom or the dentist tells you to? The children usually say to get off the food. That is true, but the real reason is to remove the bacterial plaque. That "ooey gooey, sticky white stuff" that feels like fuzz on our teeth. Proper removal of plaque is the key to good oral health. We recommend brushing twice a day, once after breakfast and once before bed, for two minutes with a soft toothbrush. To remove plaque from in between the teeth where it loves to hide, flossing is very important. Plaque also can coat the tongue, so remember to brush it too.
Here is the cavity equation. The sugars that we eat and drink feed the bacterial plaque, and in quick order, the plaque produces acid that is strong enough to break into the enamel of the tooth. This weakens the enamel and begins decay. So, to prevent decay make sure to eat and drink fewer foods that are high in sugars or stick to your teeth, and by brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes and flossing once, you should be able to keep teeth plaque free. Remember, "Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you." Please feel free to contact the Oral Health Education Center at (562) 933-0540 for more information. 
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Learn more about oral health and maintaining a healthy smile by following the links below.
California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, currently offers dental services as one of the program's many benefits. Medi-Cal Dental, also known as Denti-Cal, is the program that provides free or low-cost dental services to eligible children and adults. Visit Smile California and learn more about the wonderful benefits for a healthier smile! Discover nutrition education materials for the classroom, medical office and community. All resources are free in California. Visit Let's Eat Healthy to gain access to all of these wonderful resources. Want information on how to maintain your oral health? Visit Mouth Healthy, brought to you by the American Dental Association. Click here. Brush kids' teeth 2min2x! Visit http://2min2x.org/about-kids-teeth Kids can practice brushing with the ToothSavers App. Go to www.2min2x.org/toothsavers scroll down, and download the APP today! Did you know that Oral Health is integral to Overall Health? Click here to read more at Children Now. Healthy eating is an important part of maintaining your oral health. Visit www.kidseatright.org California Society of Pediatric Dentistry www.cspd.org California Dental Association www.cda.org American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry www.aapd.org Oral Health America www.oralhealthamerica.org Oral Health Long Beach www.longbeach.gov American Dental Association www.ada.org Harbor Dental Society www.harbordentalsociety.org |
