How to Prevent Dental Caries: Steps for Healthier Smiles at Home
Creating lasting smiles starts at home. Without a comprehensive and effective daily hygiene routine, patients at every age, especially children, can find it challenging to keep their smiles healthy between biannual dental visits. As dentists who provide care to young patients, we find it crucial that children practice excellent health habits. It is important that they are supported by parents and caregivers to stick to these routines for healthier, cavity-free smiles. For a better at-home oral routine at all ages, consider the following:
Invest in the Right Toothbrush
The effectiveness of manual toothbrushes is directly tied to correct brushing technique. If patients are using wide brushing strokes across multiple teeth, they risk missing spots, leaving plaque and bacteria untouched. Proper brushing technique requires that patients use small, gentle strokes across each individual tooth in order to thoroughly remove plaque. However, remembering proper technique can be a struggle for patients, particularly children.
With this in mind, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. These brushes are precisely designed to remove as much plaque from the tooth as possible, with heads rotating automatically. As some can be set to work for two minutes, patients don’t need to worry about timing themselves while brushing their teeth.
Floss Daily
When it comes to a healthy smile, the spaces between teeth are just as important as the visible surfaces. Often, these spaces trap leftover food and plaque, spurring on the development of cavities and gum disease if left alone.
To thoroughly floss between teeth, wrap about 18-24 inches of dental floss around your index and middle fingers. Grasping the floss tightly, gently guide the string into the space between teeth and move the floss back and forth around the side of each tooth in a c-shape. Gently remove the floss, wrap the used portion around your finger, and move to the next space. For children who may have some difficulties coordinating the flossing motion, consider using smaller, handheld flossers to clean between teeth.
Use a Rubber Pick
While daily brushing and flossing can move most debris from your smile, plaque can still become trapped in the spaces between the gums and teeth. For patients recovering from gum disease, failing to clean these small spaces can promote gingivitis. To thoroughly clean periodontal pockets, consider adding a rubber pick to your daily hygiene regimen. This tool has a thin rubber head that can be rubbed along the gum line, loosening any remaining plaque left behind by brushing and flossing.
Our El Cajon dentists are committed to helping all patients maintain healthy, lasting smiles. Call Keen Dentistry today to schedule your next cleaning and learn more about the best ways to care for your smile at home.
Share this Post!