Oral Hygiene Instructions

To keep your mouth clean and maintain oral health, it’s essential to brush your teeth regularly. At Dr. Cabrera Dental Associates in Houston, we recommend that you:

1. Brush your teeth two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The brush head should be compact enough to reach all areas without effort.
2. Change your toothbrush at least every four months, sooner if the bristles are worn out. Never use a frayed toothbrush.
3. Always choose a good fluoride toothpaste.

A dentist near you suggests the following brushing technique:

1. Position your brush at a 45-degree angle along the gums.
2. Use short, gentle strokes to brush back and forth.
3. Brush all of the tooth surfaces, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
4. Tilt the brush vertically and utilize up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
5. Brush your tongue to eradicate bacteria from your mouth and freshen your breath.

Keep in mind that tooth brushing is just one part of a dental care routine. It would help if you also did the following:

1. Clean hard-to-reach spaces between teeth daily with once-a-day flossing. Tooth-damaging bacteria linger between teeth where bristles can’t reach. Floss removes plaque and food particles between teeth and under the gumline.
2. Eat a balanced, healthy diet and limit snacking.
3. Visit your Dr. Cabrera Dental Associates office in Houston regularly for professional cleanings and bi-annual oral exams.