Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime, and your daily home care plays a key role in this. Proper cleaning and preventive habits start with balanced meals, limiting snacks, and using the right dental aids to control plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease.
Tooth Brushing
Brush at least twice a day, especially before bedtime, using an ADA-approved soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use small, circular motions, ensuring the bristles touch the gumline.
- Brush all tooth surfaces—outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
- Use the brush tip to clean the inside of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended. Simply place the bristles on your teeth and gums and allow the brush to work, covering several teeth at a time.
Flossing
Daily flossing cleans between teeth and below the gumline, disrupting plaque buildup and preventing damage to teeth, gums, and bone.
- Use 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) of floss, wrapping most around your middle fingers and leaving 2 inches (5 cm) to work with.
- Gently guide the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and slide it under the gumline, moving up and down to clean each side.
- Floss holders can help if traditional floss is difficult to use.
Rinsing
Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if brushing is not possible. Consult your dentist or hygienist before using over-the-counter rinses to ensure they are suitable for you.
Additional Dental Aids
Other tools may be recommended, including interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, oral irrigators, fluoride treatments, and medicated rinses. Using these as advised can further enhance your dental home care routine.