Sheens
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It's awesome that you are taking action and accountability on doing a better job of it!
There are a number of us dentists on the forum and I am sure plenty of people that are taking excellent care of their teeth (and yes your dentist can tell!) You are asking a great question and I am sure we can help with ideas and home care.
Just to start off with a few questions that you do not need to answer on here but that might help guide to you a great protocol:
Do you see your dentist /dental hygienist regularly?
- this might be every 6 months for some, 3 months for others
- when that plaque hardens (growing every 12 hours or so) it forms the hard calculus that your toothbrush isn't equipped to remove but your dental office is able to
Are you brushing for 2-4 minutes twice daily? (I also prefer Sonicare personally)
Flossing can be once a day but the technique could be improved by pulling the floss in a "C" shape to the tooth in front and back so that you are actually cleaning the sides of the teeth and stimulating the gum tissue.
If you have cavities, then fluoride in your mouthwash may be advised. - -Watch out for some versions of mouthwash that would be similar in function to a simple breath mint and not for gum tissue health or cavity protection.
Yes to the Waterpik! I would add it your regimen and not use as a replacement for anything. It may be a great aid in better plaque removal.
If your gums are sore from your better cleaning methods, a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water to gargle is awesome. However, it will not cure gingivitis, periodontitis, infection, etc. so if your gums are sore, teeth are loose, bleeding, pus or bad taste, painful, and/or swelling these are signs to see your dentist.
There isn't a permanent whitening solution as our teeth will change color with age, diet, drinks (think coffee, red wine, tea, etc.), habits. I highly suggest using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste for a week before whitening and then throughout as it can be uncomfortable.
There are a number of us dentists on the forum and I am sure plenty of people that are taking excellent care of their teeth (and yes your dentist can tell!) You are asking a great question and I am sure we can help with ideas and home care.
Just to start off with a few questions that you do not need to answer on here but that might help guide to you a great protocol:
Do you see your dentist /dental hygienist regularly?
- this might be every 6 months for some, 3 months for others
- when that plaque hardens (growing every 12 hours or so) it forms the hard calculus that your toothbrush isn't equipped to remove but your dental office is able to
Are you brushing for 2-4 minutes twice daily? (I also prefer Sonicare personally)
Flossing can be once a day but the technique could be improved by pulling the floss in a "C" shape to the tooth in front and back so that you are actually cleaning the sides of the teeth and stimulating the gum tissue.
If you have cavities, then fluoride in your mouthwash may be advised. - -Watch out for some versions of mouthwash that would be similar in function to a simple breath mint and not for gum tissue health or cavity protection.
Yes to the Waterpik! I would add it your regimen and not use as a replacement for anything. It may be a great aid in better plaque removal.
If your gums are sore from your better cleaning methods, a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water to gargle is awesome. However, it will not cure gingivitis, periodontitis, infection, etc. so if your gums are sore, teeth are loose, bleeding, pus or bad taste, painful, and/or swelling these are signs to see your dentist.
There isn't a permanent whitening solution as our teeth will change color with age, diet, drinks (think coffee, red wine, tea, etc.), habits. I highly suggest using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste for a week before whitening and then throughout as it can be uncomfortable.