Dental Care at Home

Dr. Levin’s ultimate goal when treating his patients is a healthy, beautiful smile. The achievement of that goal begins with your personal dental care at home. For example, some good dental habits to instill are: eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks, and correctly using the various dental aids. Proper knowledge and handling of dental aids will help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, making sure that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Dr. Levin recommends electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and can remove plaque more efficiently than manual toothbrushes. To use an electric toothbrush, place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth. The electric brush will do its job, several teeth at a time keeping the gum line and tooth enamel clean. Flossing -Dr. Levin is a big advocate of daily flossing. Flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Once a day flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

If you have difficulty using conventional floss, you may look into some floss holders are an alternative for this important dental habit.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and meals, especially if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a

good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on whether it is the right product for you.

Other dental aids or products that may be recommended by your dentist include: interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., An arsenal of dental products can play a role in effective dental home care.

Brush, Floss and Rinse - Dental care at home is very important