Overview
An attractive, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our end goal for you. Your personal home care plays an important role in reaching that goal. It starts at home by eating nutritiously, reducing the quantity of snack you eat and accurately utilizing the various denatal aids that help to manage the plaque and bacteria the cause gum disease.
Toothbrushing
Clean your pearly whites at least twice a day (particularly before going to bed) with a soft or extra bristle brush and toothpaste.
- Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a tiny, circular motion, making sure that you constantly feel the bristles on the gums
- Brush the outer, inner and biting surfaces of each tooth
- Use the tip of the brush to scrub the interior of your front teeth
- Clean your tongue to eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath
Flossing
Daily flossing is the very best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving approximately 2 inches of floss between your fingers.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to lead the floss, gently insert the floss between the teeth using a mild sawing motion
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
- Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using traditional floss
Rinsing
It is recommended 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 is an excellent idea to ask your dental professional whether it is appropriate for you.
Other dental aids that may be recommended by your dental professional include:
- Proxabrushes
- Rubber tip stimulators
- Tongue cleaners
- Irrigation devices
- Fluoride
- Medicated washes
- Soft Pics