Home Care Cerritos CA | Home Care in Cerritos
Home Care Cerritos CA

Home Care

Home Care Cerritos, CA

The experts at Dentist of Cerritos can only provide so much dental care. When you are at home and in between dental visits, your gorgeous smile must be taken care of after daily.

Dental home care is sometimes overlooked but is the best way to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and protected. Dedicated to patient education, we encourage you to boost your oral hygiene habits and routine with the helpful information below.

What Is a Good Dental Home Care Routine?

The basis of any good home care routine must include brushing, flossing and eating a healthy diet.

There are many more things you can do such as using mouthwash, eliminating bad oral habits (like fingernail biting) and regular dental checkups, but focusing on the three above will do wonders.

How Should You Brush Your Teeth?

It is important to brush your teeth twice daily to remove plaque. To thoroughly remove plaque and clean teeth, you want to brush every tooth surface. Try incorporating these steps:

  • Brush at a 45-degree angle, with the brush angled alongside your gum line. Use gentle circular motions on every tooth surface several times.
  • Brush your teeth’s outer surfaces.
  • Brush your teeth’s inner surfaces.
  • Clean the inside of your front teeth by holding the toothbrush vertically. Use gentle, circular movements with the top of the toothbrush.
  • Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces.
  • Brush your tongue.
Home Care Dentist Cerritos CA
Home Care Cerritos CA

What Type of Toothbrush Should You Use?

Everyone should have a soft toothbrush. Most of us brush a bit too hard as is and bristles on medium and hard brushes can and will damage gum tissue.

Medium toothbrushes come in handy for stain removal every now and then, but making it a habit is not recommended. Hard brushes should only be used on dentures, never on your actual gum tissue.

Do Electric Toothbrushes Clean Teeth Better?

Electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove plaque more effectively than manual ones. Brush models with oscillating heads take the top prize as being the most effective.

Though electric-powered brushes can make it easier to clean your teeth, manual brushes work perfectly well when used correctly. Electric brushes, however, work particularly well for people who:

  • Have limited hand or arm mobility. This includes the disabled, elderly, those living with arthritis and anyone who has difficulty securely holding things.
  • Don’t brush long enough. Electric brushes come with timers, with some vibrating after two minutes or every 30 seconds.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, regardless of its condition. Replace it sooner than that if you notice the bristles are frayed, worn out or pointing in several directions.

Is Flossing Daily Necessary?

Yes! Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris stuck between teeth. Flossing can come before or after brushing, it doesn’t matter, but it shouldn’t be skipped!

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

You may be brushing too hard. Check your brush bristles and try to brush a bit softer.

It could also be the recent introduction of flossing into your oral care regimen. Gums should stop bleeding after a week of regular flossing.

What Foods Promote Healthy Teeth and Gums?

Increase the amount of calcium rich foods in your diet, like leafy greens, yogurt and fish. Avoid or limit your intake of sugary drinks and food.

Home Care Cerritos CA

How Should I Use Mouthwash?

Mouthwash is a great way to freshen your breath, but it has more uses patients can take advantage of. Using a fluoride mouthwash is a great way to fight tooth decay and antibacterial mouthwashes are good at reducing gum disease and getting plaque under control.

Alcohol-free mouthwash can also be used after brushing your teeth. Rinsing with water removes the fluoride coating brushing provided, but mouthwash will remove the excess toothpaste in your mouth while leaving the beneficial fluoride behind.

Want To Improve Your Home Care?

We work with patients of all ages to perfect healthy home dental care habits. Contact us at (562) 414-5064 today to learn more home care tips or to schedule an exam!

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