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. This is achieved by helping you consume balanced meals, reduce the number of snacks you eat, and correctly use the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an American Dental Association (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. In addition, they 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.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Aside from helping clean spaces, flossing disrupts plaque colonies from building up, which prevent damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

1. Take 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 centimeters) 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 gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

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

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

Use other dental aids as we might recommend for your situation. The following tools play a role in good dental home care:

There are many dental home care products with conflicting claims on the market these days. Always feel free to discuss their appropriateness with Dr. Presser or any of our hygienists at Presser Dental Group. We serve clients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.