Home Dental Care
Taking care of your teeth at home plays a big role in keeping your smile healthy. Daily habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing help prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Regular home care also supports the long-term results of any dental treatments you’ve had.
Good oral health starts with consistency and simple routines that protect your teeth between dental visits.
Daily Brushing Basics
Brushing twice a day—especially before bedtime—is one of the most important steps in your oral care routine. Using the right technique ensures you’re cleaning your teeth thoroughly without harming your gums.
Tips for effective brushing:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste
- Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gums
- Use small, circular motions to clean all surfaces of each tooth
- Don’t forget the inner surfaces and your tongue
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are a great option for efficient plaque removal. Let the brush do the work—just hold it gently against the teeth and gums, moving slowly across a few teeth at a time.
Flossing: The Step Most People Skip
Brushing alone can’t clean the tight spaces between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, helping prevent gum disease and cavities.
How to floss properly:
- Use 12 to 16 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers
- Leave about 2 inches to work with between your hands
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion
- Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and move it up and down
- Don’t forget to reach slightly under the gumline
Choosing the right braces is an important step in the orthodontic process. At Auld Family Dentistry, patients receive personalized recommendations based on their unique needs.
Having trouble with regular floss?
Floss holders can make the process easier, especially for those with limited dexterity or crowded teeth.
Rinsing and Additional Tools
Rinsing is a quick way to help keep your mouth clean between brushing and flossing. It can remove loose particles and reduce bacteria levels—especially after meals.
Rinsing tips:
- Rinse with water after brushing
- If brushing isn’t possible after eating, a quick rinse can still help
- Over-the-counter mouth rinses may be useful, but it’s best to ask a dental professional which type is right for you
Other helpful tools:
Depending on your needs, a few extras can help you maintain a healthier smile:
- Interdental brushes for cleaning between teeth
- Tongue cleaners to reduce bacteria
- Rubber tip stimulators to keep gums healthy
- Oral irrigators to flush out debris
- Fluoride or medicated rinses for added protection
Using the right tools consistently can make a big difference in your long-term oral health.