Dental Care
How often do you visit the dentist, brush your teeth or floss your teeth and gums?
Here are some guidelines for good dental health:
- Visit the dentist at least once a year – preferably every 6 months – especially for children
- Brush after every meal, but at least in the morning and at bed time
- Floss every day
Reasons to care for your teeth:
- Brushing removes plaque that can rot your teeth and cause gum disease
- Use toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities
- Baby teeth can be cleaned with water and a cotton gauze pad
- For toddlers up to 5 years old, parents should help with brushing
- Flossing gets between teeth and under gums to clean spaces that a toothbrush cannot
When you first start flossing, your gums may bleed. As you continue to floss, your gums will become healthy, strong and bleed less. (Usually factor is not needed.)
By following these tips, you can help prevent extensive dental repairs and the need for additional factor infusions.
Remember:
- TREAT before dental work such as fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, and any other invasive procedures. Check with your hemophilia treatment center (HTC) before any procedures for specific instructions.
- If have a port or central line in place, check with your HTC for possible antibiotics before dental work.
