Patient education:

How to Care for Your Teeth at Home

There are three essential components to great oral hygiene care at home: brushing, flossing and rinsing.

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Ideally we want to see patients brushing twice daily. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes. Pay extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth, and areas around fillings, crowns or other restorations. Use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles that will not be harsh on the gum tissues.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. A toothbrush with worn, split, uneven or toothpaste-clogged bristles can’t clean your teeth effectively and may even harm your gums. If you experience a significant illness or infection, we recommend replacing your brush as well.

How to Floss your Teeth:

Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach – under the gum line and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

Why Should you Use Mouth Rinse?

Mouth rinse is recommended in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Antiseptic and Fluoride rinses both play an important role in your oral health. Antiseptic rinse is used to improve gum health by killing a variety of germs that form plaque and cause gingivitis and bad breath. Fluoride rinse is used to strengthen and protect the teeth. The fluoride strengthens the enamel through a process called remineralization.