Looking after your family’s teeth at home is one of the best ways to ensure everyone enjoys strong, healthy smiles for years to come. Whether you’re in downtown Calgary or a nearby neighborhood, good dental habits at home can help prevent cavities, gum disease, as well as bad breath — and make your visits to the dentist near you a lot smoother!
Why At-Home Dental Care Matters for Families
Healthy habits start at home! A consistent brushing and flossing routine helps protect your family’s teeth from plaque, inflammation, and early signs of tooth trouble. Calgary’s dry climate can also lead to dry mouth, which makes regular dental care even more important for keeping smiles fresh and healthy.
Brushing Tips for All Ages
Teaching kids to brush properly (and reminding adults too!) helps everyone care for their teeth the right way. Here’s a step-by-step guide the whole family can follow:
- Utilize a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste.
- For kids under 3, use a smear or a grain of rice size; for kids over 3, use a small pea size.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
- Use small, gentle circles on all sides of each tooth. After brushing a tooth, gently sweep the brush down and away from the gums.
- Brush for two full minutes, twice a day — try playing a fun song or using a timer for kids!
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh.
- Replace your toothbrush after every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles look worn.
How to Floss — A Family Guide to Cleaner, Healthier Teeth
Brushing is important, but it can’t reach everywhere — that’s where flossing comes in! Flossing once a day helps extract plaque and food bits from between your teeth and under the gumline, keeping your whole mouth healthier.
Flossing Made Easy: Step-by-Step for All Ages
- Begin with about 18 inches of dental floss. Wind most of it around your fingers, while leaving a few inches to work with.
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth. Don’t force it — a gentle wiggle is enough!
- Curve the floss into a shape of “C” around each tooth and gently slide it under the gumline.
- Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
- Don’t forget the very back of your last molars — they need love too!
Tips for Families with Braces or Dental Appliances
If someone in your family has braces or a retainer, flossing takes a little extra care — but it’s even more important! Special floss threaders or orthodontic floss can help make the job easier. Your trusted dentist or dental hygienist can show you how to do it right.
Making Water Flossing Part of Your Family’s Routine
Water flossers are an easy and gentle way to clean between teeth and along the gumline — especially helpful for family members with braces, implants, or sensitive gums. They can be a great addition to your home dental care routine!
How to Use a Waterpik at Home
- Start by filling the water tank with warm water — this is gentler on teeth and gums.
- Choose the right tip (your device may have different options) and place it in your mouth before turning it on.
- Lean over the sink to prevent splashing and begin on the lowest pressure setting.
- Gradually increase the pressure (aim for minimum level 6, if comfortable).
- Aim the tip at your gumline and pause briefly between each tooth.
- Let the water drain naturally from your mouth into the sink.
Where to Find One in Calgary
Waterpiks are widely available at most local pharmacies and major stores like Walmart and Costco — making it really easy to pick one up while running errands in the East Hills area.
Top At-Home Teeth Care Tips for Calgary Families
Keeping your family’s smiles healthy starts with simple daily habits — brushing, flossing, or using a water flosser, and staying consistent with your routine. These small steps go a long way in preventing cavities, gum issues, and keeping teeth sparkling clean.
When you build these habits into your family’s routine, you’re setting everyone up for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
And when it’s time for a professional cleaning or a little extra guidance, the caring team at East Hills Dental Clinic is here for you. We’re proud to support Calgary families with gentle care, personalized tips, and expert dental services.
Book your family’s next visit today — because great oral health begins at home and continues with us!