Since plaque forms continually on teeth and gums, you need to remove it every day. That's why home care - proper flossing and brushing - is the first step in any periodontal therapy plan. Without a strict personal program of home care, your periodontal disease may recur and worsen, even with professional periodontal treatment. Your periodontist and dental hygienist will design your personalized program of home care for you to keep your teeth and gums clean and free of plaque. Careful and regular brushing removes bacterial plaque and stimulates circulation in gum tissue. Use a small, soft, angled brush with rounded bristles, and replace it whenever it gets worn or frayed. Brush at least twice a day, making sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly. Daily flossing removes plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where brushing can't reach. Floss once a day, using the type of floss recommended by your periodontist. Flossing may be done either before or after brushing. Keep up your home care program of flossing and brushing. This helps prevent plaque from forming and gum disease from recurring. Also, have regular maintenance visits which include dental exams and cleanings. The scheduling of these visits depends on your rate of plaque growth and calculus buildup, your response to treatment, and your commitment to home care. OR Periodontal health begins at home. Together with the state-of-the-art treatment methods available today, you can be confident your teeth can be saved. But can YOU do? Here are some tips for maintaining periodontal health at home: Brush your teeth three times a day Floss your teeth at least once a day Eat good, well-balanced meals Avoid sticky, sugary snacks Examine your mouth for signs of periodontal disease regularly Visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year