In our 20s, 30s, or even 40s, we don’t think about old age and oral hygiene much. Most people have a full set of healthy, beautiful teeth, but tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and declining oral health are very real-life occurrences that we must think about all ages. Regardless of the reason, losing teeth is a stressful event, and you will want to do everything in your power in your younger years to prevent tooth loss in your golden years.

Twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings are an absolute must for people of all ages, including children. If you or a loved one is past due for a dental exam and cleaning, the time to schedule is now. Wilmington, Delaware family dentist Dr. Garrett Goodling would love to meet you and your whole family at a new patient comprehensive evaluation.

Family dentist Dr. Goodling, Dr. Michael Rosen, and the entire team at our beautiful Wilmington family dentistry practice would like to restore your oral health to its optimal level. We even perform cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry treatments, and TMJ/Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. We see patients of all ages and are conveniently located in beautiful Wilmington, DE.

Before we get into our recommended best practices for excellent oral hygiene, let’s get to know Dr. Goodling.

About Dr. Garrett Goodling

Dr. Goodling is passionate about maintaining healthy smiles and believes that superb oral health helps with confidence and overall physical and emotional health. He belongs to several professional organizations and has a strong commitment to his patients. He has even completed several courses in implant dentistry, focusing on the latest in dental implant surgical techniques and bone grafting. He has also been trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI).

What to Expect At Your First Visit

For all of our new patient visits, we schedule plenty of time for us to get to know each other, review your dental and medical history, and listen to your goals.

Your first dental exam and cleaning will start with X-rays and an extensive oral screening, during which we examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or problems. We will also examine your bite and jaw joints (Temporomandibular Joints). Dr. Goodling states that “keeping you in top health is the primary reason we spend so much time evaluating your condition at the first visit.” Our advanced diagnostic methods and comprehensive exams enable us to identify small problems before they become big ones.

Oral Health Best Practices

Excellent oral health is all about prevention. Our goal is to teach you about oral health best practices so that any minor problems you have never become bigger ones requiring extensive dental work. The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” could not be more accurate regarding oral health.

You may never have been told how to brush and floss your teeth properly. We will do that for you. Regardless of age, we will encourage you to take steps to improve your oral health and explain what those steps are when we work with you at our practice.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium and stiff bristles can damage the enamel on your teeth.
  • Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as bacteria love hanging out on the tongue’s surface. You may use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper, whichever you prefer.
  • Floss at least once daily because brushing cannot reach the spaces between your teeth where food and bacteria get stuck. To floss properly, take a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wrap each end around your middle fingers. Using your thumbs and forefingers, guide the floss between two teeth. Wrap the floss snugly around one tooth in a C shape and clean it using several up and down strokes. Wrap the floss around the other tooth and repeat the process. If you find this technique too tricky (say if you have arthritis or other dexterity challenges), you can use dental picks to clean between your teeth.
  • Ask our dentists about using mouthwash. There is some debate about this and which type is best if you do want to use mouthwash.
  • Avoid smoking and limit tooth-staining beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine.

 The benefits of good oral hygiene at home are numerous:

  • Healthier teeth and gums
  • A beautiful smile
  • Fresh breath
  • A reduced need for extensive dental work like fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures.
  • A lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health concerns
  • Reduced risk of oral cancer

Please Contact Us Today to Schedule an Oral Examination

Please call Dr. Garrett Goodling and the team at (302) 994-0979, or you may complete our online contact form. One of our team members will reach out soon to answer any questions you have or to assist with scheduling. We would love to meet you and comprehensively evaluate your current oral health.