Home Care

Our ultimate aim when treating patients is to help them achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that will last them a lifetime. An essential part of reaching that goal involves personal dental care routines at home. This begins with a balanced diet, limiting snack intake, and correctly utilizing various dental aids to control plaque and bacteria that can lead to dental issues.

• Tooth brushing – It’s recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, particularly before bedtime, using a soft bristle brush and toothpaste approved by the ADA. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brush gently in small, circular motions, making sure the bristles always touch the gums. Remember to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. The brush’s tip can be used to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth. Brushing your tongue can help eliminate bacteria and keep your breath fresh. Electric toothbrushes are also advisable due to their ease of use and efficient plaque removal capabilities.
• Flossing – Flossing daily is the most effective method for cleaning the spaces between your teeth and under the gumline. This practice not only cleans these areas but also prevents plaque build-up, thus protecting your gums, teeth, and bones from potential damage. For effective flossing, take about 12-16 inches of dental floss, and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving roughly 2 inches between your hands. Use your thumbs and forefingers to maneuver the floss in a gentle sawing motion between your teeth. Form a “C” shape around each tooth with the floss and slide it gently up and down to clean the sides of each tooth. If using traditional floss is challenging, floss holders are a suitable alternative.
• Rinsing – Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and meals, particularly when brushing isn’t possible, is crucial. If you’re using an over-the-counter rinsing product, you should discuss its suitability with your dentist or dental hygienist.

Other dental aids: Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend using other tools like interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., as part of your home dental care regimen.

• Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

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