Salt Lake Valley Health Department
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The Basics of Dental/Oral Health
Oral Health Program
2001 South State Street, S2400
P.O. Box 144575
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4575
(385) 468-4058
Brushing
- Brush at least 2 times each day for about 2 minutes
- Use a small amount of toothpaste (pea size)
- Small circular motions over each tooth.
- Brush all sides of tooth (outside, inside and tops of teeth)
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue too.

Flossing
- Floss at least once a day
- Floss in between each tooth
- Make a C shape with the floss around each side of the tooth
- Gently go up and down both sides of the tooth.
Visit a dentist regularly
- According to the CDC only 43% of the United States population visited the dentist in the previous year.
- Good oral health care at home is important. However professional oral health care is also needed in order to maintain a healthy mouth.
- Regular dental visits help with prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.
- Regular dental visits ensure that your teeth and mouth are in good health.
- The dentist not only checks your teeth but also looks for any signs of disease. Let your dentist know about any sores in your mouth.
- Early detection of disease such as oral cancer can improve the outcome through early treatment.
Additional Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Oral Health

