At Clear Dental, our main goal is to help our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Good oral health begins at home with a good oral hygiene routine and a balanced diet. Maintaining regular dental appointments for cleanings and exams is also important.
Tooth brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an CDA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes can also help remove plaque. Be gentle while brushing and take your time; brushing too vigorously can cause irritation or even receding gums. It’s recommended that you brush for 2 minutes each time. Also, brushing your tongue can help to remove plaque and bacteria and freshen breath.
Flossing
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. In fact, people who skip flossing miss cleaning up to 40% of their tooth surfaces! Flossing at least once a day is an effective way to clean the spaces between your teeth and prevent cavities and gum disease.
Drinking water
Water is the safest beverage for the health of your teeth. Even milk, although rich in calcium, can cause decay if left on the teeth. In addition, if you are not at home and can’t brush your teeth after a meal, simply rinse your mouth out with water to help remove food debris.
Visit your dentist
At our Richmond Dental Clinic we recommend that patients come in every six months for a cleaning and exam. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.