Recommended Daily Care
A good, consistent routine to care for your teeth between office visits not only helps maintain the health of your mouth, it is an essential part of taking care of yourself. Dr Miller recommends the following practices for home care. By following these practices, you reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes using a rechargeable electric brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, such as Sensodyne Pronamel, Therasol solution*, or baking soda.
- Use a water flosser, aiming it at the junction of the tooth and gum, to remove plaque from the gumline, where it is most likely to cause gum disease.
- If you have tight teeth and normal gums, floss gently, wrapping the floss around the side of the tooth and avoiding the gums. If you have been diagnosed with receding gums, a small brush, such as ProxaBrush or SoftPik, should be used in between the teeth.
- If you have minimal, or no, gum disease, you can use an over-the-counter mouthwash, such as Listerine, to further reduce bacteria in your mouth. For individuals who have challenges controlling plaque, Therasol solution* is recommended. For individuals who consistently develop new decay, a fluoride rinse is the best choice.
- Clean your teeth following the above procedures twice daily, once, after breakfast, and, again, before going to sleep at night.
- *Therasol concentrate as its sold must be diluted by mixing 1 part concentrate with 4 parts water.
- NOTE: Bleaching the teeth may also help reduce plaque, and as an added benefit, you’ll have a whiter smile. Please call the office, or ask at your next appointment, about the most effective bleaching method for your mouth.
How to Care for Your Appliances
You should clean your dentures, aligners, retainers, and night guard daily. To clean your dental appliances, use a soft toothbrush reserved specifically for this purpose--brush gently under cold water with antimicrobial hand soap; then dry with a soft cloth. After your appliances are dry, store them safely in their case, or, for appliances you wear full-time, you can immediately put them back in your mouth. Once appliances become stained, or deposits from your mouth accumulate on them, the stains and deposits are very challenging to remove without causing damage to the appliances; so, it is imperative to clean them properly and consistently, every time you remove them. Additionally, once a week, your appliances should be soaked in Retainer Brite for 5 minutes—Retainer Brite is a solution that helps keep your appliances free from pesky bacteria that can live in your mouth.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After any dental procedure, it is normal to experience a period of mild discomfort. To encourage healing and minimize discomfort, some basic guidelines apply. Following these recommendations will allow you to return to normal as quickly as possible. If we have given you specific instructions at the time of treatment, it is important to follow those exactly.
- If antibiotics were prescribed, take them as directed by the doctor and according to the instructions on the label. Remember, if you have been prescribed antibiotics, you must complete the entire prescription. Do NOT stop taking the antibiotics early, even if you are feeling better.
- To minimize pain, take two Advil or Nuprin before the anesthesia wears off. If you cannot take ibuprofen products, take 1-2 Tylenol. Repeat every 4 to 5 hours until any pain becomes tolerable.
- Rinse with 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water three times a day to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
- For the first three days after the procedure, the area of treatment should be cleaned with very gentle brushing and water flossing. The rest of your mouth can be cleaned as usual.
- If you have any concerns as you are recovering, please call the office at (301) 468-9383.
Post-Surgical Instructions
Dental surgery is like any other surgical procedure. It requires proper care after your surgery to achieve optimal results and reduce the risk of pain or complications. Please follow these instructions carefully after having any dental surgery.
- Rest is essential to allowing the body to heal. After your procedure is complete, go home and relax!
- Mild swelling and bruising is normal after a dental surgical procedure and is not cause for alarm.
- Take your pain medication as directed by the doctor and according to the instructions on the label whether it is a prescribed medication or an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- If antibiotics were prescribed, take them as directed by the doctor and according to the instructions on the label. Remember, if you have been prescribed antibiotics, you must complete the entire prescription. Do NOT stop taking the antibiotics early, even if you are feeling better.
- Apply ice to the area of the surgery. The ice should be applied for a period of 15 minutes, followed by a 15 minute break, and then re-applied for 15 minutes at a time, repeating the cycle. This should be continued for the first four hours after arriving home. Frozen peas make a great ice pack—place them in a small plastic freezer bag for convenience.
- Do NOT smoke, drink through a straw, rinse your mouth, or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
- If you are bleeding when you get home, fold one of the provided gauze pads in quarters, place it at the surgical site, and bite down on it gently, but with enough pressure to hold it firmly in place, for a minimum of a half hour. If it continues to bleed, repeat. If you do not have gauze, a tea bag can be used, but you should extend the time period to an hour minimum. Some small amount of blood may be visible in your saliva after surgery; this is not cause for concern.
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or ice cream. Do NOT eat anything hot.
- After the first 24 hours, begin salt water rinses three times a day. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse gently to keep the surgical area clean. This will also help prevent pain.
- A post-surgical exam needs to be conducted in the office a week after the surgery. It is recommended that you schedule this appointment at the time you schedule your surgical procedure.
- If you develop a fever, contact Dr Miller by calling (301) 468-9383.
- If you have any concerns as you are recovering, please call the office at (301) 468-9383.
