Houston Dentist Serving Children & Adults in Baytown, Pasadena, Channelview and Nearby Areas of Texas
In general, when you come out of the dentist’s office, your teeth look great and your breath smells fresh. Love Brushing Dentistry has made it a priority to offer oral hygiene recommendations to our patients, so that they can maintain a clean and healthy smile till their next appointment.
Home Care
We firmly believe that the person who has the greatest influence on your oral health and hygiene is you. The more careful and vigilant you are, the better your results. But it is also incredibly important to follow best practices.
Nutrition
Eating balanced meals and reducing your intake of sugar and high fructose corn syrup will do wonders. Acidic foods are also very harmful for the teeth, as they erode the enamel – so be sure to keep an eye out for that as well.
Brushing
When you are brushing your teeth, it is best to use an ADA (American Dental Association)-approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. With manual/traditional toothbrushes, place the brush at a forty-five degree angle to the gums and carefully brush using small, circular strokes. You want to always feel the bristles on the gums, as this ensures that your gums get cleaned as well.
Don’t forget to brush the inside of your front teeth with the tip of your toothbrush. It is common for plaque to build up in these areas, and the longer you wait to tend to this area, the harder it will be to remove the plaque in the future.
Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended. Unlike traditional toothbrushes, an electric one can remove plaque efficiently without causing any abrasions or harming the surface of the tooth. They are also easier to use and majority have timing function. Simply place the bristles of the electric toothbrush on your gums and teeth, and let it take care of the rest.
Ideally, you want to brush your teeth twice a day: once in the morning, and once before going to bed.
Flossing
Flossing is practiced in an attempt to remove food and dental plaque from between the teeth; specifically, in those areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush.
Dentists highly recommend flossing, as the failure to remove these particles can cause serious gum disease and dental caries. We know that, because many people are not familiar with how to floss, they choose to forgo the act altogether. That is why we have created a list of the best practices. Hopefully, it encourages you to floss on a daily basis:
- Take ten to sixteen inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving close to three inches of floss between the hands.
- With your thumbs and forefingers as a guide, carefully insert the floss in between the teeth.
- Curve the floss in a c shape around each tooth and gently move the piece of floss up and down to remove any harmful plaque between your teeth or under gum line.
Rinsing
It is imperative to rinse your mouth with water both after you brush your teeth and after you eat. You may choose to use an over-the-counter product instead, but it is best to consult your dentist to get the best advice and assistance.
For hands-on dental care and guidance from Dr. Khavari, please call 713-490-2088 or contact Love Brushing Dentistry online. We serve patients patients in and around Channelview, Baytown and Pasadena, Texas.