At The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Vancouver BC, we’re dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy and stunning smiles with cosmetic dental services such as crowns, teeth whitening, implants, and veneers. A vital part of achieving and preserving a beautiful smile is proper dental hygiene and cleaning.
But sometimes traditional methods like flossing and brushing can be difficult or uncomfortable for some people. Fortunately, there are several alternative techniques and tools that can help keep your oral hygiene in top shape. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most effective alternatives to traditional flossing and brushing.
Water Flossers
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are an excellent alternative to traditional flossing, especially for people with dental restorations like crowns and implants. Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline, removing plaque and food particles that can cause decay and gum disease. They can also be helpful for people with sensitive gums who find traditional flossing painful or uncomfortable.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be an effective addition to your oral hygiene routine, as it can help kill bacteria and freshen breath. There are several types of mouthwash available, including fluoride mouthwash, antibacterial mouthwash, and natural mouthwash made with essential oils. It’s essential to choose a mouthwash that’s right for your needs and to use it as directed for best results.
Tongue Scrapers
Tongue scrapers are tools designed to remove bacteria and debris from the surface of the tongue. They can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, as bacteria on the tongue can contribute to bad breath and other oral health issues. Tongue scrapers come in a variety of shapes and materials, including metal, plastic, and silicone.
Teeth Whitening
If you have veneers, maintaining a bright, white smile can be a challenge. While veneers are resistant to stains, the natural teeth around them can become discolored over time, causing your smile to look dull or yellow. Professional teeth whitening treatments can help brighten your smile and keep your veneers looking their best. Your dentist can recommend the best teeth whitening treatment for your needs, whether it’s an in-office treatment or an at-home kit.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small brushes designed to fit between teeth and clean hard-to-reach areas. They can be especially helpful for people with dental implants, which require extra care to maintain. Interdental brushes can remove plaque and bacteria from around implants, helping to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes can be an excellent option for people with dental restorations like crowns and veneers. They’re designed to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums more effectively than manual brushing, and they come with a variety of features to help ensure you’re brushing for the right amount of time and with the right pressure. Electric toothbrushes can also be helpful for people with arthritis or other conditions that make manual brushing difficult.
Brush, Floss, or Alternatives: Keeping Your Smile Healthy
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for not only achieving a beautiful and healthy smile but also for preserving the longevity and function of dental restorations such as crowns, implants, and veneers. Ensuring that you’re cleaning and flossing using a traditional method, a new one, or a combination of both, will help you keep your smile healthy.
The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry offers a range of cosmetic dental services to help enhance the beauty of your smile, in addition to providing personalized advice on proper dental hygiene and cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a stunning and healthy smile.
https://www.mysmilemakeover.com/
Dr. Ed Lowe
The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry