Our Dental Hygiene Team
Nothing feels quite like having squeaky clean teeth. Regular trips to the dental hygienist can ensure that you have the cleanest and the healthiest set of teeth possible. Your hygienist plays a vital role in keeping your teeth free of plaque and bacteria. Feel free to ask them for tips on maintaining your own personal dental hygiene, and take a look at these basic tips below.
Daily Brushing and Flossing For a Healthy Smile
Practicing good dental hygiene at home can help you prevent cavities and gum disease. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day using the following steps:
- Put a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and start with your teeth’s outside surfaces. Keep your brush at a 45-degree angle at the place where your gums and teeth meet. Use small and light strokes back and forth to remove plaque and debris. Then, use the same method for the inside of your back teeth.
- The inside of your upper and lower front teeth need a slightly different technique. When you clean these spots, hold your brush vertically and use the same gentle pressure.
- After taking care of the inside and outside of your teeth, you can clean the top surfaces of your back teeth. Change the angle of your brush as needed to get every part. Once you finish brushing your teeth, remember the tongue and roof of your mouth!
You also need to floss once a day to remove plaque your toothbrush can’t reach. Try these steps for optimal flossing:
- Pull a piece of floss about 40-50cm long. It should have about the same length as your arm. Wrap each end of the floss around each hand’s middle finger.
- Hold the floss between your forefingers and thumbs to clean the upper teeth. Carefully insert the floss between each tooth — don’t force it or snap it in. Curve your floss around the tooth and move it up and down both sides. Use a different section of the floss when one part becomes soiled.
- When you move to your bottom teeth, use both forefingers to position the floss. Remember to floss the very back of your teeth in every corner of your mouth. Rinse with water to get rid of the plaque and food particles you just loosened.
If you have pain or bleeding during brushing or flossing, you may need to use lighter pressure or take care of your teeth more frequently. Contact your dentist if you keep having pain or bleeding after trying these solutions.
The Importance of Visiting Your Dentist
The Canadian Dental Association recommends having a dentist appointment every six months. Some patients need to visit their dentist more or less often, but only your dentist can determine your appointment frequency. During your visit, you will receive a cleaning and checkup. Getting these procedures on a regular basis helps keep your teeth and gums healthy by:
- Alerting you of problems early: The check-up allows your doctor to find potential issues and treat them before they become serious.
- Maintaining oral hygiene: Your dentist will ensure that every part of your mouth is free from plaque and tartar.
- Reminding you to take care of your teeth: During your appointment, you can ask for advice on proper oral hygiene.
Caring For Your Teeth With Alpen Dental
