
Our ultimate goal is to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Your personal home care plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. It begins with balanced meals, limiting snacks, and effectively using dental aids to control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental issues.
Request an AppointmentTooth Brushing
- Frequency: Brush at least twice a day, especially before bed, using an ADA-approved soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Technique:
- Position the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Gently brush in small, circular motions, ensuring you feel the bristles on your gums.
- Clean the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
- Use the brush tip to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are user-friendly and effectively remove plaque. Just place the bristles on your gums and teeth and let the brush do the work.
Flossing
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between your teeth and under the gumline. It disrupts plaque buildup, preventing damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.
Technique:
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of floss between your hands.
- Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently inserting it between your teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Move the floss up and down gently to clean the sides of each tooth.
If you find traditional floss challenging, consider using floss holders for easier access.
Rinsing
Rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and after meals if brushing isn’t possible. If you’re using a rinsing product, consult your dentist or dental hygienist to ensure it’s appropriate for you.
Additional Dental Aids
Use any additional dental aids recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist, such as interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride treatments, and medicated rinses. These can enhance your home care routine.
Contact Us!
If you have any questions about home dental care or want to schedule an appointment, call our Thornton dentist today!