At Dentistry on West, we believe that great dental care starts with knowledge. Taking care of your smile at home is just as important as regular visits to the dentist and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Here are some resources to provide you with practical information to support your daily oral health routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your brushing technique, choose the right toothpaste or mouthwash, or better understand how your diet affects your teeth, you’ll find helpful tips and guidance right here.

> How to Brush

Brushing your teeth the right way helps prevent cavities and bad breath.

  1. Angle Your Brush
    Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

  2. Use Gentle Circles
    Move the brush in small, gentle circles. Don’t scrub too hard—it should feel comfortable.

  3. Brush All Surfaces

    • Outer and inner surfaces: Use the same circular motion.

    • Front teeth (inside): Tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes.

    • Chewing surfaces: Use short back-and-forth strokes.

  4. Brush Your Tongue
    Bacteria can live on your tongue and cause bad breath. Gently brush the top and sides of your tongue.

  5. Rinse Thoroughly
    Rinse your mouth well to wash away loosened plaque and debris.

Brush for 2 full minutes, twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste.

An electric toothbrush cleans more effectively and is especially helpful for those with limited dexterity.

> How To Floss

Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

  1. Get Enough Floss
    Use about 18 inches of floss. Wind most around one finger, and the rest around the opposite hand’s finger.

  2. Guide Gently
    Pinch the floss between your thumbs and forefingers. Slide it gently between teeth with a back-and-forth motion—never snap it in.

  3. Curve and Clean
    Curve the floss around each tooth into a C-shape. Slide it up and down along the side of each tooth and under the gumline.

  4. Use a Clean Section
    As you go, shift the floss to a clean part to avoid spreading debris.

  5. Don’t Miss the Back Teeth
    Be sure to floss behind your last tooth on each side (top and bottom).

  6. Rinse Afterward
    Rinse your mouth to wash away loosened plaque.

A water pik/water flosser is helpful for those who have advanced gum disease or have difficulty with flossing technique.

> Toothpastes

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral widely used in toothpastes and dental care due to its ability to:

  1. Prevent Tooth Decay:

    • Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars.

  2. Remineralize Enamel:

    • It helps by rebuilding weakened enamel.

  3. Inhibit Bacterial Growth:

    • Fluoride can reduce the ability of harmful bacteria to produce acid.

  4. Protect Against Cavities:

    • Regular exposure through toothpaste lowers the risk of cavities in both children and adults.

Stannous fluoride offers all the same cavity protection as fluoride, plus:

  1. Antibacterial Action:

    • The tin (stannous) component has strong antimicrobial properties that help reduce plaque and gingivitis-causing bacteria.

  2. Gum Health:

    • Helps reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, making it useful for periodontal issues.

  3. Tooth Sensitivity Relief:

    • Creates a protective layer, blocking pain-causing stimuli like cold or heat.

  4. Breath Freshening:

    • Its antibacterial nature can help reduce bad breath by targeting the bacteria.

Flouride Alternative

Orillia does not have a water fluoridation program. Therefore the benefits of using a fluoridated toothpaste are extremely important here. There have been hundreds of studies done on its positive impact and safety. If you absolutely must use a toothpaste without fluoride, consider Remin toothpaste. It uses Xylitol and Hydroxyapatite to remineralize and desensitize teeth.

Other Toothpaste Ingredients

Some toothpastes come with a mixture of other ingredients. Toothpastes made with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are available for gentle stain removal. It also helps neutralize acids in the mouth, creating an environment that’s less friendly to cavity-causing bacteria.

Other toothpastes may include potassium nitrate to help with sensitivity. It works by calming the nerves inside your teeth, which helps reduce the discomfort caused by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

> Mouthwash

  1. Mouthwash can help reduce plaque, freshen breath, and fight bacteria.
  2. Alcohol-free is preferred, especially if if you have dry mouth or sensitivity.
  3. Mixing salt with warm water is also another natural mouthwash option.
  4. It’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but a good supplement.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

These rinses contain ingredients that reduce bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride and essential oils are used to help protect against cavities and bad breath.

> Diet

Cavities are the result of certain bacteria in the mouth consuming sugar (from our diets). They produce acids as a result. These acids can damage your teeth. These bacteria are found in plaque, which is a collection of food & bacteria on the surface of your tooth. If it stays there long enough, the acids are able to damage that part(s) of your tooth.

A healthy mouth with good saliva can wash away the acids and allow your teeth to recover. Multiple sips of a sugary drink (pop, energy drinks, juice) over a long period of time (or multiple drinks in a day) keeps acid on your teeth for longer. The number of sugar (acid) exposures is more important than the overall amount (one coffee with 8 sugars is less damaging than 4 with 2 each).

Therefore, limiting your sugary snacks and drinks will reduce your cavity risk. Drink water regularly, especially after meals to help clear plaque, sugar and acid from your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum or use of xylitol mints can help stimulate saliva and neutralize acids after eating.