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Our goal with every patient that comes through our doors is to provide them with a lifelong, healthy, beautiful smile. But taking care of that smile has to continue at home once you leave our office if you want it to last. Caring for your teeth includes eating healthy meals, cutting down on snacks, and using all of the personal oral care products that are available to you at your pharmacy so that plaque and bacteria are kept in control.
Tooth Brushing
Your teeth need to be brushed at least twice a day, including bedtime, with a toothbrush and toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association.
The proper brushing method is to hold the toothbrush at 45 degrees to the gum line, and use a circular motion making sure the bristles touch the gums with each pass.
Each surface of the tooth - biting, inner, and outer - must be brushed.
To clean the inside of your front teeth, hold the brush up on end and use the tip to get in behind the teeth.
Always remember to brush your tongue as well, because it is loaded with bacteria and can affect the smell of your breath.
We recommend using an electric toothbrush. They are very effective at getting rid of plaque. With an electric toothbrush, the procedure is as simple as putting the brush against your teeth and gums and let the machine do its job, focusing on a couple of teeth at one time.
Flossing
The best way to clean under the gum line and in between tightly spaced teeth is by flossing. Not only does flossing help in these areas, but it also disrupts the process of bacteria trying to build plaque, thus preventing tooth, gum, and bone disease.
Proper flossing begins by removing a piece of floss at least 12 inches long. The floss is wrapped around both middle fingers until only about 2 inches is left showing between your fingers.
Guide the floss using your thumbs and index fingers in between two teeth, and then move it back and forth as if you were sawing a log.
To get under the gum line, loop the floss around the tooth in a C-shaped pattern and then move the floss up the tooth and then back down to clean the side.
If you struggle to hold and use floss effectively, we suggest using a floss holder to take the place of your fingers.
Rinsing
Always rinse out your mouth after you brush your teeth and after each meal if you aren't going to brush. Water is always the best material for rinsing, so if you use an over-the-counter rinse aid, make sure you check with your dentist to see if its appropriate for you.
There are also plenty of other dental products available for home use if your dentist recommends using them. These include irrigators, fluoride rinse, interdental toothbrushes, and rubber-tips gum line stimulators, and each can effectively help you to maintain your gorgeous smile when you're not at the dentist's office.
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