Practicing your oral hygiene care at home between dental cleanings is a very important and crucial aspect of maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
Daily oral hygiene care at home together with regular professional dental cleanings will ensure the thorough removal of both plaque and tartar, helping to reduce the risk of gingivitis, gum disease and tooth loss.
Together, you and your dental hygienist will be able to achieve a lifelong healthy smile. Now, you may be wondering, “which dental devices should I use at home for an effective oral hygiene routine?”
There are copious amounts of dental care gadgets available for purchase. We’ve got the scoop on which recommended devices Pina Mazza suggests are essential to your bathroom cabinet.
- A soft or extra soft toothbrush – no medium or hard bristled toothbrushes allowed! Both medium and hard toothbrushes are too abrasive on the teeth and gums and may cause tooth abrasion or gum recession in the long term. Yes! A soft or extra soft toothbrush will still clean your teeth effectively. Replace your toothbrush every 6-8 weeks and always brush before bed. It is the most important time to brush.
- Listerine mouthwash – Listerine Total Care or Listerine Total Care Zero are the most effective non-prescription mouth rinses to use at home to treat gingivitis and keep gums healthy. Be sure to:
- Use at full strength, no mixing with water.
- Swish, swish, swish!! Use those cheek muscles to move the mouthwash around in your mouth.
- Do not rinse with water after you spit it out.
Research has proven that Listerine brand mouthwash continues to be effective for 30 minutes after you use it.
- Toothpaste containing Flouride – In general any toothpaste with fluoride that has been approved by the CDA or ADA can be used – with an exception to considerations like tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion. Toothpaste is an important part of brushing, however, the technique and amount of time spent brushing has the biggest impact on effectiveness.Please be aware: fluoridated toothpaste is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.
Baking soda is a natural alternative to help prevent stains caused by smoking, drinking coffee and/or tea. Baking soda is safe to use and is not abrasive to tooth enamel.
- Dental Floss/ Floss Picks/ Water Picks – Everyone knows that flossing is necessary to remove food caught between the teeth. However, flossing removes more than just food. Flossing is necessary to remove harmful bacteria that collects and settles below the gum in the area between the teeth. This is the bacteria often responsible for bad breath and gingivitis.Tips to Get Started:
- Use waxed floss. It’s easier to glide and slide between the teeth.
- Begin with your front teeth, even if it’s just a few teeth a day. As your fingers become comfortable with using the floss, do a few more teeth.
- Be patient with yourself. It takes time to learn how to floss well and for it to become a routine.
- Don’t give up trying! If you forget to floss, just do it when you remember to. If you can’t floss every day, floss when you can. Flossing occasionally is better than never flossing at all!
So, there you have it! By keeping these basic dental essentials in your bathroom and using them regularly you can be sure that you are taking good care of your teeth and gums at home. Your dental hygienist will definitely know you’ve been diligent and dedicated to your oral health.