HOME CARE
Our ultimate goal when treating patients is a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Your personal home care is important for achieving that goal. Your personal home care begins by eating balanced meals, cutting down on the number of snacks you eat, and using the various dental aids that help prevent the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.
Tooth Brushing
Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a soft bristle brush and toothpaste approved by the ADA. Put the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, making sure 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 get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath. Electric toothbrushes are also suggested. They are easy to use and can remove plaque effectively. Just put the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and let the brush do its work, several teeth at a time.
FLOSSING
Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these areas, it breaks up plaque colonies from forming, stopping damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. 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 put the floss between teeth using a sawing motion. Bend 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. Floss holders are suggested if you have trouble using regular floss.
Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you can’t brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about its suitability for you.