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| • | Toothbrushing helps to remove bacteria-containing plaque that accumulates on the surface, in between, and in the crevices of our teeth. Plaque forms as a result of eating and drinking, and after 12 hours it will start to harden into cement-like tartar which can only be removed professionally. Tartar harbors cavity-causing bacteria and causes bleeding and inflammation in the gum tissue. The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth twice a day to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, and thereby reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease. |
| • | Proper brushing starts with your toothbrush. We recommend using a soft or ultra-soft bristled brush, as a hard bristled brush can damage enamel. Place this brush angled into the gumline and lightly massage the bristles against both the tooth surface and adjacent gum tissue. Be sure to brush the front and back of each tooth. This should be done for two full minutes, twice a day. |
| • | When brushing try to apply light pressure to your teeth. People regularly overdo it. If you press too hard while brushing you can actually abrade your enamel. Enamel doesn't grow back and can't be repaired so take it easy and brush with a light touch. |
| • | Flossing is a step that is extremely important and yet often neglected. Flossing removes the plaque in between the teeth that your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Regular flossing will reduce your risk of both gum disease and developing cavities between the teeth. Our team will show you how to floss using the "letter C" technique to maximize the surface area of the teeth and gums that are being cleaned. Any time is a good time to floss, as long as you are flossing once a day. |
| • | Rinsing is another helpful step in your daily dental hygiene ritual. Rinses help reduce the amount of bacteria that is present in your mouth that can cause infection. We recommend alcohol-free rinses that contain fluoride. |
| • | When you don't have the option to use special mouthwashes or rinses, we advise that you rinse with water. A quick rinse with some water after meals can help to wash away all those extra food particles that would otherwise sit stagnant in your mouth until your next tooth brushing. |
The first step in keeping our teeth healthy is daily plaque removal via brushing and flossing. Believe it or not, there is technique involved in performing these steps effectively. Our dentists and hygienists will demonstrate these techniques to you at your appointment to ensure your home care is the best it can be.