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Dental Hygiene

Getting your teeth cleaned every six months is essential to maintaining good oral health. Dental hygiene — the practice of taking care of your mouth with regular at-home care and getting professional cleanings two times a year — can help prevent bacteria and plaque from building up and damaging your teeth.

A simple, daily oral hygiene routine can prevent most dental problems. When you combine that with professional care, you can prevent most of the common issues that lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and other oral health concerns. Here’s how tooth decay happens:

  • Plaque — a sticky substance — builds up on teeth.
  • If it’s not cleaned properly, plaque hardens into tartar.
  • Tartar on your teeth creates the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
  • Bacteria causes inflammation and gum disease, which gets worse over time.

Regular daily habits such as brushing and flossing can prevent plaque from building up. A cleaning and preventive checkup at your family dentist every six months will remove any tartar that has formed (since you cannot remove this with at-home dental care). 

dental exam

Many studies have also shown a link between your oral health and your overall health. Untreated gum disease (gingivitis) can make you more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease. If you already have these chronic health conditions, the inflammation caused by gum disease and gingivitis can make them worse.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

In order to maintain healthy teeth, healthy gums and a healthy mouth, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene, which includes:

  • Brushing your teeth two times a day, for 2 minutes each time (usually in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed)
  • Flossing to clean between teeth at least once a day (before bed)
  • Using products that contain fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, to strengthen your teeth
  • Scheduling an appointment for a cleaning and dental exam every six months with your family dentist, even if you don’t have any other dental health issues

You may also want to talk to your dentist about whether you or your family could benefit from taking fluoride supplements or getting fluoride treatments. These help you build strong, healthy teeth and avoid common issues associated with fluoride deficiency. Fluoride is a mineral compound that helps your teeth rebuild as your tooth enamel wears down from the effects of acids, bacteria and plaque on your teeth.

Neglecting dental hygiene can result in tooth decay, periodontal disease, gum disease, infections, dry mouth and many other conditions. When it’s time for your regular checkup, come visit one of our five convenient Young Family Dental clinics in Orem, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Riverton or West Jordan to get a cleaning. In the meantime, keep practicing good dental hygiene to protect your teeth and gums.

  • “These guys are awesome! I had a tooth break on a Friday afternoon and they got me in right away! I’ve since seen 3 different dentists there and have no complaints. The office staff is incredible and friendly. I still am not a huge fan of going to the dentist, but this office has really helped alleviate my fears and dental anxiety. I would recommend them to anyone.”

    Ashleigh Jackson

  • I’ve known Dr. Chris for over 10 years, and my experience with him has been awesome. I got Invisalign with him to straighten my teeth, and it was incredible to have straight teeth! It was great, too, that I was an adult and I didn’t have to walk around with braces like a teenage weirdo. Chris and YFD are excellent, I highly recommend them.

    Johnny Thomas

  • Anne Marie Gross referred me to your office and has had nothing but great things to say about you! I am looking forward to scheduling an appointment soon!

    Rashael Stocking Matthews

  • Deron Gross- when I went to young family dental they treated me very nicely and took great care of me:) appreciate all the work they’ve done:)

    Deron Deron

  • I took both my 8 year old and 3 year old daughters there, and it was great experience from beginning to end. It was the first time for my 3 year old (don’t judge me ?) Jacqueline was great at making it a fun experience for her. Jessica helped take care of my 8 year old who had some infection on a tooth she had worked on a while ago. And the dentist was great too. Overall, everyone was friendly, everything was clean, and at the end I had a credit on my account that I didn’t know was there which was an added bonus.

    Jessica Murdock

  • Young Family Dental Riverton employs the latest technology and procedures. The staff is always friendly and make you feel comfortable.

    Chanel Price

  • Everything they do is on time and as scheduled. They send you reminders for your appointments. They are great. My entire family goes to Young Family Dental Riverton.

    Astony Stino

  • I love young family dental! Their assistants are great and make me feel comfortable which is important to me because I don’t like going to the dentist. The dentists are very informative and make me feel at ease as well. They take extra time and care to make sure you fully understand what is being done and what needs to be done. If you need a check up, a cleaning, or work done stop or call young family in Riverton Utah, they are great!!

    James Ross

  • I love working here.. The dentists, hygienists, and assistants are awesome!!!

    Orchid Lopez-Zamarron


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By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Young Family Dental. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.