Prevention and Hygiene
At Dentistealaval.com, we emphasize the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene throughout your life, regardless of age. We follow the recommendations of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec: we recommend dental check-ups and cleanings every six months starting from the appearance of the first tooth.
Recommendations for kids
Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Brush their teeth at least twice a day, ideally after bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, or eating. Use fluoride-free toothpaste when your child cannot spit (up to around age 3–4). As soon as your child is able to spit, begin using a fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste should be the size of a grain of rice. Begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as their teeth start to touch. Let your child begin brushing and flossing as soon as they show interest, but always go over their brushing and flossing afterward—this should continue until about age 9, when they typically develop the manual dexterity to manage their oral hygiene independently.
Recommendations for adults
Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and don’t forget the outer and inner surfaces of all your teeth (both upper and lower). Also, gently brush your tongue. Use a fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste should be the size of a grain of rice. Replace your toothbrush every three months. Floss at least once a day.
Flossing technique
Gently insert the floss between your teeth, avoiding snapping it to prevent injuring the gums. Use a back-and-forth motion. Slide the floss between the teeth and curve it into a “C” shape around the base of the tooth, then gently slide it under the gumline.
Dietary recommendations
The Quebec dentists Ordre recommends a healthy, low-sugar diet to maintain good oral health. Be sure to make healthy food choices by following the recommendations of the Canadian Food Guide, which is available for free on the Health Canada website.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral. In Canada, it occurs naturally in tap water, bottled water, air, food, and soil. This mineral helps prevent tooth decay, a common but widespread condition in Canada. Fluoride has been used to prevent cavities since the 1940s. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, and restores minerals that make teeth more resistant to decay. We recommend using a fluoride-based toothpaste.