Cleaning and Prevention – Cochrane

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our fundamental goal for you. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts at home by eating a balanced diet, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing

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

1. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of your front teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

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

Flossing

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing cleans spaces, and prevents plaque colonies from building up. Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of floss between your hands.

1. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a gentle sawing motion.
2. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing

 It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist or dental hygienist whether it’s right for you. Other dental aids may be recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist:

• interdental brushes
• rubber tip stimulators
• tongue cleaners
• irrigation devices
• fluoride
• medicated rinses