These days, many people are interested in optimizing the appearance or functionality of their teeth. If this is the case for you, it’s important to remember that visiting your local dentist for an annual cleaning is imperative.

However, learning how to care for your teeth between visits to the dentist is equally important. Utilize the information found in this quick reference guide on home instructions to ensure that you can keep your pearly whites in optimal condition at all times:

Brushing Your Teeth

• Make sure that you brush your teeth at least two times a day. You should always brush your teeth before retiring to bed at night. This precludes bacteria and other harmful toxins from residing in your mouth during the 6-10 hours that you spend sleeping.
• Utilize an ADA approved toothbrush. Make sure that the toothbrush has soft bristles. This will decrease the likelihood of bleeding when you brush.
• Use a circular motion when you brush and be sure that your utensil is placed at a 45 degree angle to your gums. You should be able to feel the brush bristles against your gums.
• Make sure you are brushing the entire tooth. This includes the inner and outer part as well as the biting surface.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue. This will freshen the breath and remove potentially harmful bacteria.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush. These utensils are thought to remove plaque and bacteria more effectively and expediently than the traditional toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are also beneficial for individuals who have arthritis because they make the brushing process less taxing on the hands.

Flossing Your Teeth

• Flossing daily is a must. This process helps you clear away bacteria and debris that is not removed through the brushing process. Because flossing prevents colonies of plaque from forming in your mouth, it can help prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
• Use about 12-16 inches of floss. Wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand. Leave roughly 2 inches of the floss between your hands. Gently place the floss between your teeth. Curve the floss such that it creates the shape of a C under the gum line and around the teeth. Move the floss in an upward and downward motion to clean the teeth.
• If you find it difficult to use the conventional form of floss, consider investing in floss holders.

Rinsing Your Teeth

Although many people recognize the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth, they oftentimes forget that rinsing is important as well. Keep in mind that it is important to rinse your mouth thoroughly after you are finished brushing your teeth. It is also important to rinse your mouth following meals if you cannot brush your teeth right then. If you rinse your mouth with an over-the-counter product, be sure to ask your dental hygienist if this is the ideal item to use.

Other Dental Aids

There are several other dental aids that the dentist may advice you to use at home. Some of them include:

• interdental brushes
• tongue cleaners
• rubber tip stimulators
• fluoride
• irrigation devices
• medicated rinses

Be sure that you’re using whichever devices, utensils, and products that your dentist recommends.

Home Instructions After Surgery

There are a wide range of dental surgeries that an individual may undergo. Some of them include:

• dental implant surgery
• wisdom tooth removal
• bone grafting
• facial jaw surgery
• tooth extractions

The dentist or cosmetic professional will provide you with specific instructions regarding how to deal with issues such as bleeding, discomfort, and maintaining oral hygiene during the recovery period. Feel free to call your dentist if you have any questions, experience pain, or feel uncertain regarding the normalcy of a symptom or reaction to medication.

Don’t Delay: Contact Our Office Today!

If you’re serious about keeping your teeth in optimal condition, knowing how to care for them at home is immensely important. You can use the information and advice found in this quick reference guide to get on the path to maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. If you’re looking for an exceptional dentist to provide you with oral hygiene services, look no further than Boynton Laser Dental Center. Our friendly professionals will offer you the cutting edge, customized dental care necessary to facilitate oral health and confidence in the appearance of your teeth. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.