Home Care
Brushing and flossing are most important for oral hygiene. While professional dental cleanings every two years remove plaque, tartar and debris, good housekeeping techniques are just as valuable. Proper brushing and flossing can improve oral health, brighten smiles and prevent serious infections.
Reasons why proper brushing and flossing are essential:
Tooth decay is one of the main causes of tooth decay and often needs intensive dental procedures to treat. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel on teeth. This phenomenon can be easily prevented by implementing proper household hygiene practices.
Periodontal disease is a serious progressive condition that can lead to tooth decay, tooth decay, and bone loss in the mouth. Gum disease is caused by toxins in the gums and can cause serious health problems in other parts of the body. Brushing plaque and calculus (tartar) off the back of teeth and removing toothpaste from areas between gums, is a great way to prevent gum problems
Bad breath or bad breath is usually caused by old food on or between the teeth. These particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, keeping your mouth healthy and your breath fresh-smelling.
Members of the All Smiles team will help you to develop a home care routine based on your individual condition and assist in improving your technique.
Brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed. Use a soft bristled brush. An electric toothbrush is ideal and more effective than manual brushing. You should wash your teeth for roughly two minutes. Use fluoridated toothpaste with the Canadian Dental Association seal. This ensures that the product has been independently reviewed and any oral health benefit claims are supported by scientific evidence.
- 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 along the gumline.
- Clean each tooth’s biting, chewing, and chewing surfaces.
- To clean the inside of the front teeth, use the brush’s tip.
- To clean the chewing surfaces, make back-and-forth strokes.
- To freshen your breath and eradicate bacteria, brush your tongue.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 months.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and more effective than using a manual brush. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your teeth along the gumline and allow the brush to do its job. Power brushes usually have a timer to help make sure you are brushing for two minutes. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Change the toothbrush head every 3 months.
Flossing
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Swipe the floss around each tooth in a “C” and down the gums. Gently move it up and down, adjusting the sides of each tooth.
Floss holders have some limitations but are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Use other dental tools recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: interdental brush, rubber tip stimulator, tongue rinse, irrigation, fluoride, toothpaste, and etc., all play a role in good dental care at home.
