Cleanings & Prevention
Home Care
A bright, beautiful smile begins at home. Your brushing and flossing routines play as much of a role in your dental health as does your diet and lifestyle. Frequent doses of sweets and sugary drinks, along with smoking and alcohol use can increase risk for dental issues and diseases. Cutting back on those vices, along with regular brushing and flossing is imperative to a healthy and happy smile.
Dr. Buttaro will be happy to answer any questions you have about practicing good oral hygiene at home.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Brush and floss twice a day – Use the brush at a 45 degree angle, brushing in a circular motion, and be sure to make contact with your gums as well as your teeth. You should spend at least a full two minutes brushing. Brush your tongue, as well, to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly - Bacteria can linger on your brush. Rinse it well to avoid putting bacteria back into your mouth on your next brushing.
- Never share toothbrushes – As mentioned above, bacteria can linger on a tooth brush. Using someone’s brush may expose you to their mouth bacteria.
- Be sure to floss in the tight, hard-to-reach places - Get between every tooth and around our gum line, being sure to curve the floss around each tooth. Food particles can be so fine that it may not cause you to notice.
- Cut down on sugary drinks and desserts – Be aware of foods that are hiding sugar Energy drinks pack a ton of sugar, as do most fruit juices and other man-made beverages. Many milk alternatives such as soy, almond and coconut milk have added sugar – check your ingredients labels.
- Drink sugary drinks through a straw – Drinking through a straw allows the sugar to have less contact with teeth and gums.
- Drink water after eating – If you can’t brush after a meal, swish water around your mouth to help rinse away food and sugar.
