Brushing, Flossing & Everyday Dental Care
A consistent routine is more useful than a complicated one. Daily home care and regular dental visits work together to help protect your teeth and gums.
Brush gently and consistently
Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush twice a day for two minutes. Clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces with gentle movements. Ask your dentist to demonstrate a technique if certain areas are difficult to reach.
Clean between your teeth
Floss or another suitable interdental cleaner reaches areas a toothbrush misses. Clean between teeth daily, following the product instructions. Bridges, braces and implants may need different tools; ask for a demonstration.
Consider food, drinks and checkups
A balanced diet and limiting frequent sugary snacks support oral health. Keep up with preventive visits. If cavities keep recurring, ask about your risk factors and a prevention plan instead of assuming that brushing harder will solve the problem.
Oral health and overall health
Tell your dental team about changes to your health and medications. Gum disease is associated with some other health conditions, but an association does not mean that dental cleaning prevents heart disease. Discuss dental and medical concerns with the appropriate clinician.