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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. Your
personal home care starts 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.
- 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.
- 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
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
gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque
colonies from building up, preventing 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 insert the floss between
teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve 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
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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