Personal Home Dental Care Tips For Good Oral Health
Taking care of your teeth at home is an important part of good oral health
A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal here at Port Perry Dental Associates. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving good oral health. It starts at home by eating balanced meals and reducing the number of snacks you eat. Home care also includes correctly using the various dental aids that help control plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.
Tooth brushing tips
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.
The importance of 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.
Tooth Flossing 101
- 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.
Other dental aids recommended by Port Perry Dental Associates:
- Inter dental brushes
- Rubber tip stimulators
- Tongue cleaners
- Irrigation devices
- Fluoride
- Medicated rinses
If you haven’t seen us in a while, we encourage you to book your appointment now. Our staff is happy to provide more guidance on home dental care during your next check-up.