
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. It
starts at home by eating balanced meals, reducing the number
of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental
aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause
dental disease.
Tooth brushing
– Brush your
teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed
at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and
toothpaste.
1. 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.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each
tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front
teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your
breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to
use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the
bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and
allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.
Flossing
– Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth
and under the gum-line. Flossing not only helps clean these
spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up,
preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
1. 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.
2. 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 gum-line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning
the side of each tooth.
3. Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty
using conventional floss.
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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