Brushing

We recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste for brushing your teeth. Moving the brush in circular motions you can reach food particles that may be under your gum line. When you hold the brush at an angle, move slow and carefully to reach all areas between the teeth.  You will brush up on the lower teeth and down on the upper teeth, make sure you get the outside and inside of all chewing surfaces on all the fronts and backs of your teeth. Don’t forget your tongue and the roof of your mouth also, these need to be brushed before you rinse your mouth out. Take your time, it can take several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth, the ADA recommends taking at least two minutes.  
To avoid the accumulation of plaque and food particles brushing four times a day is recommended:

• In the morning after breakfast
• After lunch or right after school 
• After dinner 
• At bedtime

​It is important to pay attention to your toothbrush as well, as soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray replace it. We recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months or sooner depending on the wear. Do not swallow toothpaste. Rinse with water after you have brushed your teeth and be sure to carefully floss every day.

Flossing 

To reach the hard to get areas that your toothbrush can’t get to use dental floss. Dental floss is a thin waxed nylon thread that removes plaque and food particles below the gum line and between teeth. Flossing is an important part of your daily oral care routine. 

How to floss:

• Pull a strip of floss from the dispenser
• Wrap the floss ends around your middle fingers
• Carefully guide the floss between all your teeth to the gum line and pull out plaque and food particles
• As you go through your teeth, you can unwrap more clean floss from around your fingers so you use all the floss
• Don’t forget the back teeth, be sure to floss behind each of them as well

The best time to floss is at night before you go to bed. When you start to floss, you may notice that your gums will bleed a little, this is normal. However, if the bleeding continues please let us know at your next appointment.

Diet Control 

A well-balanced diet is not only good for your overall health but your teeth, bones and soft tissue in your mouth require it. Selecting a variety of foods from the five food groups can help to minimize cavities and avoid other dental problems. Please reduce foods that contain sugars and starches such as candies, cookies and chips. Grape Lakes Family Dental recommends a diet that is rich in vegetables, low-fat yogurts and cheeses to promote a healthy you and stronger teeth.

Dental Visits 

Part of your oral care routine should include a visit twice a year to maintain your healthy smile. These visits will include a professional cleaning and a regular check-up. Drs. Labrecque and Charles will examine your teeth and propose treatment if any dental problems are found. Contact the office today to schedule your next cleaning!