Home Care and Brushing

Caring for your teeth at home is most essential with the right products and appropriate techniques. Good care at home will ensure a healthier environment for your teeth and gums and can further help contribute to improved overall health. Here are some useful tips on how you can take care of your teeth at home, compliments of Dentistry on Dusk:

Brushing: This is the most important way to keep your teeth clean and in good working condition. The following are a few essentials that you can implement, to better your oral hygiene habits:

• Tooth brushing at least twice a day is essential (after you wake up and before you go to sleep)
• Tooth brushing should be done after you have first flossed between your teeth, loosening any debris.
• Use a soft bristled brush that is safe on your gums.
• Remember to use toothpastes and oral rinses recommended by your dental professional. Everybody’s needs are different.
• Brush in a bottom to top circular motion taking time without rushing through the process

Flossing: This is as important as brushing your teeth when it comes to good hygiene practices. Dental floss reaches areas of your teeth under the gums where the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing, also dislodges food particles and bacteria from between your teeth.  Slide the floss between your teeth, through a sawing action, and wrap it around the base of the tooth, hugging your tooth and wiping gently from base to tip a few times on both sides. If you are not flossing regularly, and brushing alone, remember you are only cleaning 60 % of your tooth.

Diet: Eating a proper, well balanced and healthy diet is important in maintaining good teeth and overall health. It is best to avoid sugary and sticky substances, as they cause plaque accumulation and other dental problems. When foods and drinks containing fermentable carbohydrates are consumed, it is best to do so with meals versus in-between meals, to brush and rinse out with water if at all possible, and to floss daily. Remember to NEVER use a toothpick when foods particles find their way in-between your teeth.  Often times, this can lead to cracks and the fracturing of sound tooth structure.  Smoking and consumption of tobacco and other such harmful substances should also be avoided.

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