Home Care
As the saying goes, “You don’t have to clean all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” All jokes aside – a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.
Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
- Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
- Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque more efficiently compared to manual toothbrushes.
Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline, areas where a toothbrush cannot effectively clean. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts harmful bacteria from building up, preventing damage to the teeth as well as the gums and bone that support the teeth.
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
If you have difficulty using conventional floss, there are a variety of additional dental aids, such as irrigation devices and interdental brushes, that are available. Our experienced team of dental hygienists will help you find the right aids that best suit your specific needs.
