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Home Care

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile is our ultimate goal for all of our patients. Nevertheless, your personal care at home plays an important role into achieving this goal.

Your dental home care should start with a balanced diet (reducing out-of-hours eating) and correctly using different methods that will help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental diseases.

Dental Brushing

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

  • Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush gently with a small circular motion, thus ensuring that the gums always feel the bristles.
  • Brush the exterior, interior and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and freshen breath.

The use of electric toothbrushes is also recommended. They are easy to use and they remove the plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on the gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing

Flossing daily is the best way to clean between the teeth and below the gum line. Flossing not only helps to clean these spaces, but also interrupts the formation of plaque colonies, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bones.

  1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of dental floss between your hands.
  2. Using your thumbs and index fingers to guide the thread, gently insert the floss between the teeth using a saw motion.
  3. Curve the "C" shaped thread around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the thread up and down, cleaning the face of each tooth.
  4. The use of dental floss holders is recommended if you have difficulty using it in a conventional manner.

Mouthwash

It is important that you use it after brushing, and also after meals if you can not brush. If you are using an over-the-counter mouthwash product, it would be a good idea to ask your dentist or dental hygienist about whether or not it is right for you.

Home care devices you can ask your dentist about:

  • Interdental brushes
  • Stimulators with rubber tip
  • Tongue cleaner
  • Irrigation devices
  • Fluoride
  • Medicated mouthwash

Your dentist will also recommend you not to open anything with your teeth to avoid dental accidents.

For more information about good oral care habits, do not hesitate to contact our office in Santa Clarita and our dental team will clarify all your doubts. Make sure to schedule your appointment with Dr. Aznavour today by calling (661) 260-1220.