Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life. Oral hygiene instruction encompasses brushing techniques, interdental cleaning, dietary considerations and much more.
Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t reach.
Floss Daily
Flossing is an important oral hygiene routine because it removes food particles and plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. It also prevents tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. Brushing and flossing every day in combination with using mouthwash can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
It’s recommended to brush twice daily for two minutes each time. You should use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush to gently clean your teeth. You can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to protect your teeth and gums and help freshen your breath.
Depending on your personal preferences and needs, you can choose from many different types of dental floss. There are standard floss threads, a floss stick, and spongy floss that works well for people with braces or bridges. You can also buy an interdental brush, which is a small brush like a mascara wand that can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas.
To floss properly, you should break off about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand. Then, hold the rest of the floss between your index finger and thumb of the other hand. Move the floss carefully up and down between each tooth, forming a C shape with it as you go. When you’re done, unwind new floss from one hand and wind the used floss on the other.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
A dentist’s job is to protect and promote the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Many serious dental issues can be prevented or caught early by following proper oral hygiene instructions and visiting the dentist regularly. Detecting problems before they become serious will save time, aggravation, and money in the long run.
During your visits, your dentist and hygienist will be able to check your mouth for warning signs of issues like gum disease or tooth cracks. They will also be able to recommend effective products and services to improve your oral health. In addition, the more your dentist gets to know you and your mouth, the better they will be able to advise you about how to maintain or restore your dental health.
Tip: To make your cleanings more comfortable, you can avoid eating sticky foods like gummy candy or beef jerky before your appointment. Sticky foods can get lodged in between your teeth and create an uncomfortable experience for both you and your dental hygienist. You can also drink a cup of decaffeinated or caffeine-free coffee before your visit to help reduce the impact of caffeine on your alertness.
It is important to visit your Kitchener Dentists at least twice a year for a routine cleaning and examination. However, some people will need to visit more often. If you have questions about how often to visit your dentist, contact a dentist near you for advice.