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Salt Lake Valley Health Department

Oral Health

Pictures depicting brushing and going to the dentist

The Basics

Brushing

  • Brush at least 2 times each day for about 2 minutes 
  • Use a small amount of toothpaste (pea size)    Boy brushing his teeth
  • 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

American Dental Association - Oral Hygiene

Need financial assistance for dental care?