Visit a dentist if you have any of these issues (mouth sores, jaw pain, redness, swollen face or gums, tooth sensitivity, broken teeth or bleeding gums) or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness.

There’s no getting around the need to get around your teeth daily with dental floss. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you don’t, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away and teeth loosen.

Stores sell many whitening products with take-home gels and trays, but it might not be as effective as the kits from your dental office. If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with your dentist before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains.

Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later. Our dentist will start by cleaning buildup from your teeth, then probe spots on the surfaces and near the gum line with special tools. If it’s been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas. You should get an exam every 6 months, or more often if your dentist recommends it. It is also important to get regular dental check up during your pregnancy.