• 21 John Yeo Drive Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1E 3j3

Home Care

Services

Contact Info

A healthy smile that lasts a lifetime starts at home. Your daily routine—paired with regular checkups and cleanings—helps prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and costly treatment down the road. Below you’ll find simple, evidence-based tips you can start using today.

Daily Brushing (2×/day, 2 minutes)

  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Hold the brush at a 45° angle to the gums. Use gentle, short circular strokes.
  • Clean outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
  • Use the brush tip to clean behind front teeth.
  • Brush your tongue (or use a tongue cleaner) to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
  • Electric toothbrushes can remove plaque more consistently. Place the bristles on the tooth/gum line and let the brush do the work, moving slowly tooth by tooth.

Daily Interdental Cleaning (Floss or Alternatives)

Cleaning between teeth prevents plaque buildup where brushes can’t reach.

How to floss:

  • Use 30–40 cm (12–16 in) of floss, wrap most around middle fingers, leaving 5 cm (2 in) to work with.
  • Guide gently between teeth with a back-and-forth motion.
  • Curve into a C-shape around each tooth, glide up and down under the gumline.
  • Use a clean section as you move along.

Great alternatives: floss holders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser—especially helpful for braces, bridges, or tight contacts.

Mouthrinses & Fluoride

  • Fluoride rinses help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity/cavity risk.
  • Antimicrobial rinses (when recommended) reduce gum inflammation.
  • If you’re unsure which rinse is right for you, ask our hygienist at your next visit.

Diet, Dry Mouth & Habits

  • Choose a balanced diet; limit frequent sugary snacks and acidic drinks (soda, sports/energy drinks).
  • Sip water often—especially after coffee/tea/wine.
  • Manage dry mouth (from medications, mouth-breathing, or CPAP) with frequent water, sugar-free xylitol lozenges/gum, or saliva substitutes.
  • Don’t smoke or vape—these increase gum disease and oral cancer risks. If you’re ready to quit, we’re here to help.

Protecting Teeth: Day & Night

  • Wear a sports mouthguard during contact activities.
  • If you clench or grind, ask about a night guard to protect teeth and restorations.

When to Call Us

  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • Tooth sensitivity/pain
  • Chips, fractures, or loose fillings/crowns
  • Sores that don’t heal within 2 weeks
  • Sudden changes in a tooth or your bite
Appointment Request