We want our patients’ smiles to collectively shine so bright that satellites momentarily stop orbiting Earth in wonder. We want smiles in Pemberton, Whistler and area to reflect the beauty we see in our community. We’ll go out of our way to care for your teeth, and all we ask in return is a little daily routine. We’ve cared for our patients’ smiles for three generations and in that time, we’ve realized that the best part of dentistry in a small, tightly knit community like Pemberton, Whistler and area is the relationship.

So, if you care for your smile as much as we do, we’d love to see you follow a few sensible guidelines at home.  Eat balanced meals. It’s good for you anyway, and your teeth will thank you, too. Reduce the number of snacks you eat. This is important because each time you eat without brushing and flossing, you give bacteria a chance to get a stronger hold on your teeth. Don’t let this happen! Instead, last, correctly use the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene. Though bi-annual professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and debris, excellent home care methods are equally valuable. Proper brushing and flossing can enhance the health of the mouth, make the smile sparkle and prevent serious diseases.

Why Brushing & Flossing Essential

• Prevention of tooth decay: Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and its treatment often requires complex dental procedures. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This phenomenon can easily be prevented by using proper home hygiene methods.
• Prevention of periodontal disease: Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition which can cause tooth loss, gum recession and jawbone recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the toxins found in plaque, and can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body. Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surface of the tooth using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas using dental floss, is an excellent way to stave off periodontal problems.
• Prevention of halitosis: Bad breath or halitosis is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing; leaving the mouth healthier, and breath smelling fresher.
• Prevention of staining: Staining or the yellowing of teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as smoking, coffee and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent.

Tooth brushing

• Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a CDA approved soft or extra soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
• Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing

• Don’t Forget to Floss: Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone
• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing

• Finish with a Rinse: It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.
• Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip dental stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, MI Paste, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

PLEASE CALL US AT (604) 849-6933 WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS