Our tips
Breath
Brushing and flossing
- Brushing well before bedtime will reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth during the night.
- Don’t forget to brush your hard palate, cheeks and tongue (starting at the rear and working your way forward) every day.
- To eliminate any remaining food particles after brushing, you must use dental floss.
- Sharing a toothbrush is unhygienic. By doing so, you risk the transmission of microbes, whether to yourself or to the other person using the toothbrush.
- Make sure to clean any devitalized or crowned teeth just as thoroughly as the others, as they aren’t immune to recurring cavities.
- Always brush starting at the gums and moving toward the cutting edge of the teeth. The bristles of the brush should be on the gums at the beginning of the movement. Make sure to brush every surface of the teeth.
- Flossing is an integral part of brushing. This is because a toothbrush can’t clean in between the teeth. Many dental problems (cavities, loose teeth, etc.) begin in the spaces between the teeth, as bacteria tend to stagnate there. If your gums are healthy, you should floss once a day, preferably in the evenings. However, if you have gum disease, it may be necessary to floss two or three times a day.
- Consider brushing your tongue, as well. Although there are instruments specially designed for this purpose, a toothbrush works perfectly well. The surface of the tongue is covered with bacteria, which can contribute most notably to bad breath.
- Ideally, it’s recommended to brush four times a day. In practice, brushing thoroughly three times a day will result in satisfactory hygiene if your gums are healthy. However, if you have gum disease, it’s essential that you brush four times a day. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything besides water after brushing your teeth at the end of the day.
- It’s better to brush gently for a longer period (two to three minutes) than to brush aggressively, as the latter can damage your enamel and your gums.
- Brushing alone only gets rid of 50 percent of the plaque on your teeth. That’s why it’s indispensable to floss afterwards.
- The brush should have soft bristles with a small head to reach every nook and cranny. Bristles that are too hard can wear down your enamel significantly over time.
Breath
- Before going to bed, it’s recommended to hydrate yourself well to reduce dry mouth, which favors the proliferation of bacteria.
- Bad breath can also be the result of the condition of your gums: if they bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth, you’re undoubtedly suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.
- If you have seriously bad breath, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis of the problem.
- You should be aware that more frequent brushing isn’t always sufficient to combat bad breath. If you’re concerned, before using any products, feel free to discuss the problem with your dentist during your next visit.
- You shouldn’t use antiseptic mouthwash every day except in the case of periodontal treatments prescribed by your dentist.
- If you wear dentures or some other dental prosthesis, it’s important to clean them using a denture brush.
Diet
- Certain sugary and acidic foods (like carbonated drinks and lemons) can cause severe damage to your teeth. You should only consume them in moderation.
Your dentist
- Don’t hesitate to ask your practitioner for all the information you need to feel reassured.
- With us, you’re guaranteed confidentiality, attentiveness and vigilance.
Our videos
Proper brushing technique
Tax credits for dental care
You can apply a tax credit at both levels of government for the portion of your medical bills that aren’t reimbursed by your insurers with other medical services, such as glasses or dental care. These tax credits reduce the actual amount you’ll pay for dental care provided at the clinic.
Visit the Revenu Québec and Canada Revenue Agency. You can also contact your accountant for more information.
