What is your Homecare Routine ?

The first thing I ask my patient after they have a seat in the dental chair is "What is your home care regimen?" Meaning: What are you doing at home to take care of your teeth? questions to ask yourself:

1. How often do you brush? (2 or 3 times per day)


2. How long are spending brushing?


3. Are you a flosser ? and how often do you actually floss?


4. Do you use an antibacterial mouthwash and how often ?

These are the basics. So would you like the answers to what is recommended for most people who happen to live in the WORLD. j/k but on a serious note, this will help .

Recommended Routine

• 
  
  Brush two-three times per day ( 2-3x/day )


• 
  
  Brushing should take you at least two minutes . (2min./per brushing)


• 
  
  FLOSS,Floss, floss! : ) should floss (1-2x/day )


• 
  
  Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash two times per day (2x/day )

OK. So there you have it. Does it seem pretty bleak. Hmmm... Well here are some tips if you are not doing some if these already. Try upping the amount of each by one. For example if you brush already two times per day but don't floss and only rinse occasionally. Try bringing a manual toothbrush to work to brush after lunch it only takes two minutes and you can brush in the restroom ( you may start a trend at work though, you've been warned) also try flossing nightly when you get home and turn on the news or American Idol or whatever you watch , grab your floss, and floss those pearly whites. Flossing nightly, even if it isn't before bed is better than not flossing at all. Lastly, place your antibacterial mouthwash next to your toothbrush; so now you can rinse after you brush more consistently. I like to brush then rinse because then I can swish while I'm getting dressed or putting shoes on... multi-task and then your off to work or to bed. : )

THE BREAK DOWN example

IF THEN

IF :Brush 2x/day THEN -> Brush 3x/day

IF: Don't floss or floss occasionally THEN -> Floss DAILY

IF: Rinse Occasionally THEN -> Rinse DAILY

NEXT blog more on proper brushing, flossing and rinsing...