Dental Home Care

You should plan on visiting Dr. Jubliee Goel or Dr. Harpreet Sidhu for your routine dental cleanings at least twice each year. In between visits with our dentists and team at Bright White Dental, however, you are in charge of caring for your smile. We will be happy to see you for an appointment to discuss dental home care in Garland, Texas. We invite you to call our office at 972-840-6800 to learn more.

You have been brushing and flossing your teeth all of your life, but have you been doing it correctly? You may be surprised at the answer.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you choose to brush after meals or snacks, wait for 30 minutes to allow your saliva to neutralize any acids from your meal. You should hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle. Starting at the gumline, clean the outside and inside of your smile, including the biting and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Do not forget to brush your gums and your tongue. Give yourself two minutes to brush — one minute for your upper teeth and one for your lower teeth.

Ideally, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head small enough to reach all of your teeth. On average, your toothbrush will last between two to four months before needing to be replaced, and if the bristles begin to look flat or frayed, it is time for a new toothbrush. When not in use, you should use a plastic cover with holes to allow the bristles to dry. You can also store your toothbrush upright in a place where the air can thoroughly dry it.

Plan on flossing at least once a day. Start with about 18 inches of floss. Begin with your upper teeth. Curve the floss around each tooth and floss away from the gumline. You should use a fresh section of floss for each tooth and throw the floss away when you are done. Our dentists can tell you which type of floss is right for you or if you need to use a floss-threader or dental tape.

You should rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing to remove any loose food debris. There are mouthwashes designed to fight gum disease, provide you with additional fluoride remove plaque and freshen breath. Talk with our dentists about the product you should use.

Finally, your diet plays a an important part in your dental health. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, calcium and vegetables can go a long way to keeping your smile healthy. Of course, you should limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

For more information on how you can maintain good oral health, call for an appointment with our dentists today.