Your Oral Health
We are invested in helping you achieve and maintain optimum oral health. From self-confidence to your heart, a healthy smile can impact many aspects of your life. For instance, researchers continually link good oral health to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
The most important part of maintaining your oral health is conscientious personal oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits to our Fargo dental practice. We are happy to partner with you in keeping your mouth healthy.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing remove food particles and help prevent the buildup of bacteria on and around your teeth. This bacteria will otherwise accumulate and harden into a thick plaque, eventually causing tooth decay and bone loss below the gum.
Some tips for maintaining your oral health are:
- Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, ideally after each meal.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Limit snacking in between meals and minimize the amount of processed sugars you consume.
- Consume 5g of Xylitol every day.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that can help protect your teeth from decay. It does this by eliminating harmful bacteria, while stimulating the growth of bacteria that is non-acidic and can actually protect your teeth. Normally, xylitol is administered through chewing gum, and it has a sweet flavor. However, it has 40% less calories than sugar and is diabetic friendly.
Other benefits of xylitol include relief from:
- gum disease
- tooth sensitivity
- thrush
- white spots on teeth
- nasal allergy symptoms
Dr. Harr recommends her patients consume 5 grams of xylitol a day. Please ask her about xylitol and how it can contribute to your oral health.
*Please note to keep away from dogs as it is toxic to them
Regular Office Visits
Regular visits allow Dr. Harr to diagnose problems early, monitor any areas of decay, and remove plaque that has built up over time. She will also assess the health of the gums and other tissues in your mouth.
Each person has individual needs or concerns. Your dental cleanings are also an opportunity for you to discuss these with Dr. Harr.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is just as deadly as other forms of cancer, but if discovered early enough, nearly 90% of all cases are curable. That is why at every dental visit we will exam your mouth for signs of cancer.
Because cancer can take the form of many non-alarming tissue changes in the oral region, it is important that you see us if you have any sore or discolored area of your mouth that does not heal within 14 days.
