Dental Care At Home
A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. But as we all should know, true oral health begins with personal home care. Eating balanced meals, reducing the number of sweets and snacks along with correctly using the floss help control the plaque and bacteria that can cause dental diseases. We would like for everyone in Nashville to always feel like they have just left the dentist, everyday!
Flossing Effectively
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque build ups. This can help in preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone. In proper flossing, you take your favorite dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss in between. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion. Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Mouth Washes and Rinsing
It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and also after meals if you are unable to brush or floss soon after. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult a dental hygienist or dentist like Dr. Newman on a rinse that will be appropriate and effective for you.
Tooth Cleaning and Brushing
We always recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Doing so before you go to bed at night and in the morning is a good general rule; but after every meal is best. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a circular motion, make sure to always feel the bristles on the gums. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. Electrical toothbrushes make this type of effective teeth cleaning easier, we recommend them! Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth. Your tongue needs brushing too. Brushing your tongue will remove bacteria and freshen up your breath.
Contact Us to schedule a Check Up!
