Oral Hygiene

We are here to help our patients.

At-Home Techniques

A beautiful smile starts with an excellent oral hygiene regimen, so we’ve provided a few guidelines to help you lay the foundation for at-home care:

Brushing

Brushing is a common oral hygiene practice, yet many people don’t do it correctly. Our office recommends you brush at least twice a day and after meals.
Learning how to brush properly is vital.
Remember, a great rule to live by is to brush longer, not harder. You should brush for at least two minutes to remove as much dental plaque as possible. Harder brushing won’t actually get teeth cleaner — it can irritate the tissues in your mouth and actually cause gum damage! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums, and be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months. Our office also recommends using an electric tooth brush.

Flossing

No matter how well you brush, there are some areas you just won’t be able to reach. Flossing removes dental plaque that’s hiding in between teeth.
Learn how to floss properly with these tips:

And be sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth — you don’t want to put food particles and bacteria back in your mouth!
Flossing at least once a day is recommended to remove the ongoing accumulation of dental plaque that forms between teeth. You can floss day or night but we feel it is best to floss at night before you brush. If you have trouble flossing, we have dental products for sale in the office that assists those who have trouble handling the stringy material.

Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwashes can also remove the bacteria that cause dental plaque. This helps prevent gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. The Brisbane Elite Dental always recommends alcohol-free mouth rinses.

Diet

You’re probably surprised by this one! But healthy eating habits are an equally important part of your oral hygiene regimen. Since sugars and carbs promote tooth decay, the more you eat, the better chances you have of ruining your teeth! Instead, focus on protecting your oral health by eating nutritional foods.

Professional Techniques

Regardless of how well you practice oral hygiene at home, regular dental visits every six months are essential to your dental health. A professional dental cleaning will remove dental tartar that you can’t remove on your own. At the Brisbane Elite Dental during your exam we will check your brushing and flossing and show you areas that need improvement. We may also recommend an in chair fluoride treatment.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions