Preventive Dentistry in Fairfield - The Importance of Home Care

A successful preventive dental program depends on not just our capable staff; it also depends on you and your family! Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Ideally you should try to brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night). Patients should place their toothbrush (whether it be an electric one or not) at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion. Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth and use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath!

When it comes to Flossing, make sure to clean not just between the teeth but also under the gumline. Doing both allows you to disrupt plaque colonies from building up and prevent damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. When it comes to technique, make sure to take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands. Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion. 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.

Finally, it is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals 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 Solano Dental Group on its appropriateness for you

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