You probably know how important it is that you visit us for your six-month checkups and cleanings because we make sure you to tell you every time we see you. We also encourage you to take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home. This is because all parts of preventive care – both what takes place in our office and what happens in the comfort of your own home – are essential factors in helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful, comfortable smile. If you have questions about best practices for home care, we encourage you to ask when you see us next. In the meantime, to ensure you are making the most of your dental hygiene on your own time, look over the following suggestions:
Brushing Suggestions
You need to brush at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed – to keep plaque off of your teeth. This substance is sticky, binds itself to your teeth every day, and is the leading cause of gum disease and cavities. In addition to your twice daily brushing, we encourage you to rinse after meals and then brush a half hour later. You should be using a brush with soft bristles, making sure to clean every single surface of your teeth. Turn your brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gumline during your brushing routine to remove plaque and debris from beneath your gumline, too.
Floss, Too
We encourage patients to floss at least once a day for optimal home care. You should begin with a piece of dental floss that measures about 1 to 1 ½ feet in length. As you floss, continue using new segments of the dental floss to avoid shifting bacteria or debris throughout your smile. Slide the floss between two teeth, cupping it to one side. Beginning just beneath your gumline, drag the floss along the full length of your tooth to remove plaque or food particles. Repeat on the neighboring tooth – and then throughout your entire mouth.
Schedule Preventive Visits
Those six-month cleanings and checkups – we were serious about that. The only way to effectively prevent problems and thoroughly remove plaque is by taking advantage of our professional techniques and technology in addition to your home care.
ABOUT YOUR LAFAYETTE GENERAL DENTIST:
Michael J. Young, DDS, and his skilled team of dental care professionals happily serve patients and their families, living in Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities. To learn more, contact us today at our Lafayette dentist’s office at 337-237-6453.
