Home Dental Care
Creating a beautiful, healthy smile to last a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your home dental care starts by using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease and is completed by eating balanced meals and reducing the number of snacks you eat.
Tooth brushing – Brush with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night).
Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums so that bristles can always be felt along the gums. Gently brush using a small, circular motion.
Begin by brushing the outer, inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.
The tip of the brush can be used to clean the inside of the front teeth.
Brushing your tongue not only removes bacteria but also freshens your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque and easy to use. Position the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to clean several teeth at a time.
Flossing – Flossing daily is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.
Wrap 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
Use your thumbs and forefingers to gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.
Use floss holders if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing – Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing, and after meals if you are unable to brush is important. There are many over-the-counter products for rinsing—it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its effictiveness and appropriateness for you.
Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend using dental aids including : interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc. These aids can all play a role in good dental home care.
