Home Care in North Carolina

Providing quality dental treatment in Durham, Raleigh, and Goldsboro.

Maintaining a healthy smile starts with diligent home care. At Carolina Dental Arts, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Our team understands that a confident, healthy smile can significantly enhance your overall well-being. While our general dentistry treatments play a significant role in maintaining oral health, effective home dental care is equally essential. By integrating good habits and proper techniques into your daily routine, you can protect your teeth and gums, prevent dental problems, and ensure your smile remains vibrant and healthy for years to come.

How You Can Practice Proper Home Care for Your Teeth

At Carolina Dental Arts, we believe that maintaining a healthy smile starts with a balanced diet and reducing unhealthy snacks. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups supports healthy teeth and gums, and limiting sugary and acidic foods can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Here are some additional dental care tips you can practice at home to maintain a healthy smile:

• Brush twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth at least twice a day. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
• Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash reduces bacteria in your mouth, freshens your breath, and reaches areas that brushing and flossing might miss. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride for added protection against cavities.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly: To maintain effective cleaning, it’s important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become worn. An old toothbrush doesn’t perform as well in removing plaque. You might also consider using an electric toothbrush to provide a deeper clean and better support for gum health.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings at Carolina Dental Arts. Routine visits allow your dentist to detect and treat any potential issues early, ensuring your oral health remains in top condition.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can significantly enhance your oral hygiene and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!

How to Properly Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is an effective way to attain home-care oral health. We recommend using an ADA-approved toothbrush and toothpaste to brush at least twice a day, especially before bedtime. Follow these simple steps for brushing your teeth:

• Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush in small, circular motions. Ensure the bristles touch the gums.
• Brush all surfaces of each tooth and use the tip of your toothbrush to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth.
• Lastly, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Remember, you can still maintain proper oral health even when you’re on the go. If you can’t brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water to help remove food particles and reduce bacteria. For added protection, consider using an over-the-counter mouth rinse or other dental hygiene tools, such as interdental brushes or tongue cleaners. Consult your dentist or dental hygienist to determine the best options for your needs. Stay proactive about your dental health no matter where you are!

How to Floss Your Teeth

Flossing your teeth is a crucial part of home dental care that is often overlooked. Daily flossing cleans between your teeth and under your gumline, disrupting plaque colonies and preventing damage to your gums, teeth, and bone. Here’s how our NC patients can effectively floss their teeth:

• Measure and prepare: Cut 12 to 16 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches between your hands.
• Insert the floss: Using your thumbs and forefingers, gently guide the floss between your teeth with a sawing motion.
• Form a “C” shape: Curve the floss around each tooth and carefully slide it under the gumline. Move the floss up and down to clean the sides of each tooth thoroughly.

If traditional flossing is difficult for you, consider using floss holders, which can make the process easier. Incorporating this daily habit into your routine can greatly enhance your oral hygiene and overall dental health.

Rinsing Your Mouth for Dental Care at Home

Don’t wait to take control of your dental health. Talk to us at your next appointment, and let’s work together to create a customized oral care plan that meets your specific needs. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us today. Our friendly and professional staff at Carolina Dental Arts is always here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.