A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles for Maui Families

The mission of Hawaii Dental Service is to give everyone a lifetime of healthy smiles, including those on Maui. After the wildfires in Lahaina last year, the HDS Foundation provided emergency funding to community clinics on Maui to ensure the dental community could provide comprehensive dental care for displaced families and ensure oral health remained a priority. Today HDS continues its work to improve access to dental care across Maui and the State of Hawaii. 

There are many things every family member can do to maintain good oral health and to have a healthy smile. Here are some simple but often overlooked tips to keep smiling and stay healthy:

Floss Daily
Be sure to floss your teeth at least daily. Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and below the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film composed of harmful bacteria that can erode your teeth’s enamel and lead to cavities. Flossing also helps to prevent gum disease so that you can keep smiling.

Flossing is also an easy, low-cost way to benefit your overall health. According to the American Heart Association, there is a connection between the health of your mouth and the overall health of your body. Bacteria from your mouth can travel to your heart and create heart disease.

Brush Twice a Day
Brush your teeth twice a day. Replace your toothbrush every three months. As the bristles of your toothbrush wear down, brushing becomes less effective. Bacteria and germs thrive in the bristles. Get a new toothbrush, especially after you’ve had a cold. If you do not brush your teeth properly and frequently, it could contribute to tartar buildup on your teeth.

See A Dentist Regularly
Schedule regular visits to see a dentist. Keiki should see a dentist before their first birthday, and everyone should continue regular dental visits into adulthood. Don’t wait until you have a toothache or cavity. Make dentist visits part of your routine so that your dentist can detect and treat problems early and you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

For more oral health tips and to find a dentist near you, visit hawaiidentalservice.com.