Home Care Instructions
A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal. 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, and correctly using the various dental aids to 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 with an ADA approved
soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
- Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum s and gently brush using a small, circular motion.
- 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 since 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.
Flossing
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not
only helps clean these spaces, it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing
damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
- Take 12-18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving
about 2 inches of floss between the hands.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss
between the teeth.
- 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.
Water flossers and 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, and medicated rinses can all play a role in good dental home care.
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