Are you hesitant to visit the dentist’s office? It’s a common reluctance, but it doesn’t have to be. Proper dental care is vital to your overall well-being. Maintaining your oral health does require regular dental check ups, however your routine at home plays a huge part too. Here are some professional tips to keep your smile happy, brought to you by Kitchener & Waterloo Emergency Dental Clinic.

Dental Health Improvement Through Proper Brushing

The toothbrush aisle can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you are looking for.  You should choose a soft-bristled brush, never a hard-bristled one as these actually damage your gums and ware down your teeth. A soft-bristled brush will also help to prevent sensitivity.

Storing your toothbrush correctly is an important habit: keep your brush with its bristles-up so that it can air dry, and bacteria won’t form. Also, try to keep it clear of obstructions so the toothbrush will dry properly.

Sensitivity

Do you find it painful to consume food that’s particularly warm or cold?  If so, we recommend using a toothpaste specifically blended for sensitive teeth.  Fortunately, most popular brands offer their own product to meet this need.  However, if you continue to experience persisting pain, or if you suffer from some form of constant discomfort, it’s likely time to pay us a visit.

There are also some specific considerations for patients who are aged 50 or above.  With age comes increased sensitivity, and alcohol-based mouthwashes will only exacerbate the problem.  Therefore, it’s important to rinse with a wash that does not contain alcohol.  Since the majority do, you should check labels carefully, but do ensure that the product does still contain fluoride.  It’s best to rinse with mouthwash at least 2 times each day.

A deep clean

A good brushing of your teeth is crucial: remember the teeth at the back of your jaw require as much care as the others, so ensure that you reach every last tooth when brushing.

But beyond that, flossing well, picking the right toothpaste, and the use of specialized cleaners all contribute to proper dental care.

Toothpaste: Some toothpaste selections are actually more potent than others.  Many pastes carry harsh chemicals, so try using a formula with less of those ingredients.  These will typically be labeled as toothpaste for sensitive teeth as we discussed earlier.

Floss: You should be using around 2 feet of floss to effectively clean your teeth.  It’s ideal to use at least an inch, held tightly between both fingers, to clean each space.

Cleaners: Specialized dental cleaners are helpful tools to consider implementing into your oral care routine. An inter-dental cleaner is ideal for removing food or debris when you’re on the go.  These disposable brushes are also useful for people with braces. Stim-U-Dent and Oral-B both carry popular interdental brushes that our clinic recommends.

A Happy Smile Means Better Dental Health

We understand the fear that many face about visiting the dentist.  But brushing up on how to properly care for your teeth is the first step to a smooth dental visit. Oral care is vital to your health, and rest assured, Kitchener & Waterloo Emergency Dental Clinic is here to help.