Oral Hygiene Home Care Guide

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (electric toothbrushes are recommended for more effective cleaning).
• Brush for at least 2 minutes, twice daily -- morning and before bed.
• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.
• Use gentle, circular or short back-and-forth motions. Do not scrub hard.
• Brush all surfaces: outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
• Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
• Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• Use fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

• Floss at least once daily -- before brushing is ideal.
• Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most around your middle fingers.
• Gently guide the floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
• Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it under the gum line.
• Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
• Don't snap the floss -- be gentle to avoid injuring your gums.
• Alternatives if traditional floss is difficult: water flossers, interdental brushes, floss picks.

• Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash as a supplement (not a replacement) for brushing and flossing.
• Swish for 30 seconds as directed on the label.
• Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after using fluoride rinse.
• Alcohol-free formulas are available for those with dry mouth or sensitivity.

• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks -- they feed bacteria and erode enamel.
• Drink water throughout the day, especially after meals.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, celery) help clean teeth naturally.
• Wait 30 minutes to brush after eating acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, vinegar) -- acid temporarily softens enamel.
• Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products help neutralize acids and strengthen enamel.
• Sugar-free gum with xylitol can help stimulate saliva and reduce cavity risk.

• Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
• Use a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3.
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 3-6.
• Supervise brushing until age 7-8 to ensure proper technique.
• Make brushing fun -- use timers, songs, or apps.
• Schedule your child's first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth.

Contact our office if you notice any of the following:

• A toothache lasting more than 1-2 days
• Bleeding gums that persist despite regular brushing and flossing
• A loose, chipped, or cracked tooth
• Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth
• Sores in your mouth that don't heal within 2 weeks
• Chronic bad breath that doesn't improve with oral hygiene
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that is worsening