Leslie M.H. Carpenter, DDS
Home Care Tips & Recommended Products
Thoroughly cleaning the mouth every 24 hours is the key to controlling biofilm that is the basis of bacterial accumulation causing periodontal (“gum”) disease and caries (“decay”). Simple methods of care can do a good job to remove the biofilm.
Dr. Carpenter's recommendations to keep your teeth healthy:
At least daily - Brush entire mouth with water on toothbrush (no toothpaste) so as to let the bristles do the work of disturbing the biofilm/”plaque”, use floss and/or a WaterPik oral irrigator (on lowest setting) to clean between all teeth.
Use a flouride-containing, over-the-counter toothpaste in small amounts (a thin film on toothbrush is enough) after cleaning with just water.
If you have a dry mouth: Make a homemade rinse of 1 teaspoon baking soda + 1 cup water. Rinse with this solution after any eating/drinking to neutralize the acidity of the dryness.
This is important because a mouth with normal salivary flow is able to neutralize acidity within minutes, while a dry mouth may take 30 minutes or hours. Acidity creates an environment vulnerable to demineralization/weakening of tooth structure and inflammation of the “gums”.
Dr Carpenter may recommend other products specific for your unique health needs such as a prescription antibacterial rinse or fluoride gel.
Recommended Products
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Nimbus ultrasoft toothbrush (manual)
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Glide floss
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WaterPik oral irrigator (Ultra model, not cordless)
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Baking soda toothpaste with fluoride
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Any brand toothpaste with potassium nitrate if there is recession of gums and sensitivity.