Healthy & Beautiful Smiles for Life!

Tips for a Healthy Smile!  

from Seago Family Dentistry, PC


Prevention is the Key!       

Brush, Floss, Brush, Floss!

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once per day keeps your mouth healthy, helps prevent bad breath causing bacteria and is the best prevention against decay and gum disease.
  • Choose a soft or extra soft tooth brush.
  • Brush with warm water.
  • Try not to "over brush".  Use a gentle circular motion on the gum line.
  • Thoroughly and gently brushing your tongue can prevent bad breath causing bacteria.
  • Don't miss your twice-annual check-up with your Dentist.  These visits are important, along with diagnostic x-rays, to detect problems while they are still small.  These visits also give the Hygienist an opportunity to thoroughly clean your teeth in areas you cannot reach with your tooth brush...helping to prevent new problems from forming.
  • The rinse is not just for kids!  Consider using a fluoride rinse after brushing.  Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth, prevent decay and can help reduce sensitivity. 
  • Sip all day, get decay!  Soft drinks contain sugars and acids.  When you sip and drink sodas throughout the day, those substances sit on and in-between your teeth, increasing the likelihood of decay.





Holly Knows Hygiene!



  Tips for Parents and Kids:

  • For baby:  Use a soft cloth or small piece of gauze to massage/clean the gums and/or teeth.
  • When the teeth begin to erupt (around 6 months of age), you may use a small baby toothbrush with warm water to gently brush the teeth and gums.  Using fluoride toothpaste is not recommended until around age 2.
  • Prevent baby bottle decay!  Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle.  This will prevent the sugars from milk, juice or formula from sitting on your baby's teeth and gums throughout the night.  The sugars in these liquids can contribute to early tooth decay.
  • Most Dentists recommend your child have their first dental appointment at 1-2 years of age (even if only just to have a visual inspection of the mouth).  Bringing your little one in for a visit this early will also help acquaint them with the office and what happens here.
  • For your child's first visit:  avoid passing along to your child any negative experiences you may have had in the past.  Children can sense a parent's apprehension and this may cause him/her anxiety.  It is important to introduce Dentistry to your children with a positive message.
  • At around age 2: Your child should have all or most of their primary teeth (10 on top/10 on bottom).  This time table may vary, every child progresses at their own rate.  Teeth should be brushed twice daily using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  Assist your child with brushing (especially before bed time) to instill good habits early.
  • Watch the sugar intake of your toddler.  Choosing foods that do not have excess sugar, like fruits and vegetables can establish good eating habits early in life.  Most juices contain high amounts of sugar; consider replacing juice with water or adding water to the juice to reduce the likelihood of decay.
  • At around age 5:  Our Dentist recommends electric toothbrushes or a "spin brush" to assist your child in effective brushing.  Begin to encourage good flossing habits at this age.  With your help, they can learn the importance of also cleaning between the teeth.  There are products in stores (like floss pics) that can help kids learn to floss effectively.
  • Using a Fluoride Rinse once daily is strongly recommended by Dentists.  The rinse strengthens the enamel on teeth and is effective in the prevention of tooth decay.
  • At around age 6 -7:  Dentist strongly encourage the application of Sealants.  Sealants are a tooth colored material that thinly coats the biting surface of molars.  The deep grooves on the molars are commonly prone to decay in kids and this material can protect these areas and stave off cavities.
  • At around age 7 - 8:   Parents should continue to monitor and help with brushing and home care.  This is also the age when many kids may receive an orthodontic evaluation.  The Orthodontist can determine at this age if your child will require braces. 
  • When children do receive orthodontic treatment, it is important that parents reiterate the importance of home care.  Braces that are not properly cared for can cause decay and the discoloration of the permanent teeth.  Most dentists recommend brushing 3 times per day and after all meals.
  • As children and throughout our lives; prevention is the best weapon against decay and periodontal disease.  Teach your children early about the vital importance of routine Dental Care.  With the help of your Dentist, you and you child can enjoy a healthy smile for life!



586.774.3400



30207 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan  48082