At Peak Dental Arts, an Akron and Uniontown dental care office, our dentist, Dr. Craig C. Lanik, DDS, has tips on how you can keep your smile healthy and happy. Taking good care of your teeth and oral hygiene does not only mean visiting your dentist twice a year. Good dental care should happen at home as well, which means brushing at least twice a day, flossing and teaching children how to brush and floss.

Brushing Guide for Daily Dental Care

In an ideal world, everyone would brush their teeth three times a day. At the very least, you should brush twice a day, after you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. Use a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. A soft-bristled brush is preferable, as medium or firm bristles can irritate your gums. When brushing, hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and use short strokes.

It's best to use toothpaste that has fluoride in it to prevent cavities. Use only a small amount of toothpaste each time you brush. Aim to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. If you have young children, set a timer for them so that they brush for long enough.

Flossing and More Dental Tips

Brushing won't keep your teeth clean enough on its own. Using floss will remove food pieces and plaque wedged between your teeth and along the gums. When you floss, use at least 18 inches. Slide a small amount of the floss between two teeth, rubbing it back and forth. Be gentle when flossing, as you do not want to irritate your gums or cause bleeding.

Family dentistry is essential for keeping the teeth and mouths of your entire family healthy. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with our dentist to prevent problems such as cavities from occurring. Our office also offers services such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, which improve the appearance of your teeth.

How do you keep your teeth and mouth healthy?

If you need dental services for your family, bring them to see our dentist with offices in both Akron and Uniontown. Dr. Craig Lanik of Peak Dental Arts focuses his practice on family dentistry and provides dental care to family members as young as 3-years old.

Dr. Lanik operates on a policy of preventative care. He and our staff believe proper dental and gum care promote optimal dental health. The youngest members of your family, down to age 3, can benefit from our oral wellness programs. When children learn proper oral hygiene early enough, they have a better chance of ongoing and long-term dental health and beautiful smiles. Instruction in proper brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits all contribute to our commitment to family dentistry.

Dental Services and Preventative Care

First of all, we offer basic dental care for you and your family. This focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Some of these services include routine dental exams, cleaning, polishing, sealants, tooth decay prevention, and treatments for gingivitis and sensitive teeth.

We also provide cosmetic dentistry services. These focus on enhancing the appearance of your teeth and your smile. Some of our cosmetic dentistry services include: teeth whitening; application of dental crowns and caps; porcelain veneers; dental bonding, bridges, and implants; invisible braces and dentures.

Finally, we also offer emergency dentistry services. Unfortunately, accidents happen and sometimes this involves damaging your teeth. We can provide solutions for chipped or broken teeth, as well as loose or knocked out permanent teeth. The key is to call us immediately for advice and to make an appointment. Make sure not to wiggle loose teeth, and try to collect knocked-out teeth to bring with you; we will make every attempt to re-implant permanent teeth.

What kind of dental needs does your family have? When was the last time you saw the dentist for a cleaning?

Please contact us if you have questions, concerns, or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Lanik. We look forward to serving you.