Home Care
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Our ultimate goal when treating patients is to create a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Your personal home care is crucial in achieving this goal. It begins with adopting healthy habits such as eating balanced meals, minimizing snack consumption, and properly utilizing dental aids to control plaque and bacteria, which are the culprits behind dental disease.
Tooth brushing –
To maintain good oral hygiene, follow these tooth brushing guidelines:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bedtime, using an ADA-approved soft-bristle brush and toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush using small, circular motions, ensuring the bristles touch 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.
- Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can efficiently remove plaque. Simply place the bristles on your gums and teeth and let the brush do the work, covering several teeth at a time.
Electric toothbrushes are indeed recommended for their ease of use and efficiency in removing plaque. To use an electric toothbrush, simply place the bristles on your gums and teeth and let the brush do its job, covering multiple teeth at once.
Flossing –
Daily flossing is essential for cleaning between the teeth and under the gumline. It not only removes debris from these areas but also disrupts plaque colonies, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Here’s how to floss effectively:
- 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.
- Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently inserting it between teeth with 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.
- If you have difficulty using conventional floss, consider using floss holders for easier handling.
If you find it challenging to use traditional floss, it’s advised to use floss holders as an alternative.
Rinsing –
It’s crucial to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if brushing isn’t possible. If you opt for an over-the-counter rinsing product, it’s advisable to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist to ensure its suitability for you.
Additionally, make use of other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, and other products can all contribute to effective dental home care.