During your routine cleanings and exams, our dentists and team will discuss your oral hygiene and home care routines with you. Taking good care of your smile at home is one of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy mouth and smile, and we are here to help you learn the best ways to brush, floss and care for your oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amogh Bhalerao or Dr. Gayatri Jadhav and learn more about oral hygiene and home care in San Antonio, Texas, call Smiles R Us at 210-694-4999.
Our dentists and team strive to enhance your oral health with our dedicated team’s efforts. Nonetheless, maintaining your smile’s health at home through consistent oral hygiene is crucial. A proper dental hygiene routine encompasses several daily habits and practices to preserve your radiant and healthy smile. Our esteemed dentists and the team strongly advise following these fundamental steps for optimal oral health:
Brushing & Flossing
Remember to brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day. Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste for effective cleaning.
Make it a habit to floss at least once daily, with the most crucial time being just before bedtime.
Brushing Instructions
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush:
Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that comfortably fits your mouth. Hard bristles can damage your gums and enamel.
2. Apply Fluoride Toothpaste:
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the brush. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevents tooth decay.
3. Position the Toothbrush:
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. Gently place the bristles against the teeth and gums.
4. Brush in Circular Motions:
Using gentle, circular motions, clean the outer surfaces of your upper and lower teeth. Do not forget the chewing surfaces and the back of your teeth.
5. Clean Inner Surfaces:
Tilt the toothbrush vertically and brush the inner surfaces of your teeth using up-and-down motions.
6. Brush Your Tongue:
Gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
7. Rinse Thoroughly:
After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
Flossing Instructions
1. Get Enough Floss:
Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers. Leave a few inches to work with.
2. Hold the Floss Correctly:
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about an inch of floss to slide between your teeth.
3. Slide Between Teeth:
Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss, as it can harm your gums.
4. Form a C Shape:
Form a C shape with the floss around each tooth and gently glide it under the gumline. This removes plaque and debris from where your toothbrush struggles to reach.
5. Use Clean Sections:
As you move from one tooth to another, use a clean section of floss to avoid transferring bacteria.
6. Floss Every Tooth:
Ensure you floss between all your teeth, including the back molars.
7. Rinse Again:
After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any dislodged particles.
Nutrition & Diet
Ensure you (and your family) maintain a balanced diet, limiting your consumption of sugary and acidic foods to prevent tooth decay.
Routine Cleanings & Exams
Remember to schedule regular visits with our skilled dentists every six months. These visits enable us to provide professional teeth cleaning and thorough dental exams to identify and address any preventive or restorative treatments required.
When you visit our dentists and the team, we will assess your dental hygiene practices and offer valuable insights to further enhance your oral health. If you wish to learn more about dental hygiene or wish to schedule your next appointment at our office, we warmly welcome you to call or visit us today. Your smile’s well-being is our top priority, and we look forward to serving you with exceptional care and expertise.