Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients.  Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.  Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

  1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

  1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

 

Related Oral Health Articles

Dentistry and Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Dentistry and Oral Health for Children
As part of our special section on oral health topics affecting kids, Dear Doctor brings you this wide-ranging overview of milestones and transitions in your child's dental development. Learn how to protect your children from tooth decay, dental injuries, and unhealthy habits while getting them started on the road to a lifetime of oral health and general well-being... Read Article

 

Nutrition and Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Nutrition & Oral Health
Oral health is a huge part of our general health. In Part I of this important series, we will focus on diet as it relates to dental/oral health. Learn new important facts about sugars — the good and the bad; fluorides; tooth erosion by acids; and more... Read Article

 

Pregnancy and Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Pregnancy & Oral Health
Pregnancy is generally thought of as the time when a woman strives to be particularly aware of the need for “health”. Many women though may not be aware of the link that exists between their oral health and their systemic (general) health, as well as the impact that many other factors can have on a developing child. Learn about how to care for yourself and your baby... Read Article

 

 


Back

Experienced Dental Care

Book your appointment today

Appointments

Contact us today to book your appointment at Quality Dental Care.

Appointment Request
Our Location

1417 South Main StreetSanta Ana, CA 92707Get Directions(714) 714-0302

Contact Us

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.