Care tips for healthy teeth

Daily oral hygiene

Five minutes a day keeps most dental problems away.

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste — once in the morning and once before bed.
• Use a soft-bristled brush. Replace it every 3 months or sooner if bristles fray.
• Clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
• Rinse with plain water after every meal, especially after sweets.
• Visit the dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning.

After a root canal (RCT)

Care over the next 24 – 48 hours protects your treated tooth.

• Avoid chewing on the treated side until the permanent crown is fixed.
• Mild soreness for 2 – 3 days is normal — take prescribed painkillers as directed.
• Brush gently around the treated tooth; do not skip oral hygiene.
• Avoid very hot or hard foods for a couple of days.
• Return for the crown placement within 2 – 3 weeks to prevent the tooth from cracking.

After a tooth extraction

Help the clot form so the socket heals quickly.

• Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 – 45 minutes; replace if it soaks through.
• Do not spit, rinse vigorously, or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Eat soft, lukewarm food for the first day. Avoid spicy food.
• From day 2, rinse gently with warm salt water 3 – 4 times a day for a week.

Living with braces

Good habits make orthodontic treatment faster and more comfortable.

• Brush after every meal — food easily lodges around brackets.
• Avoid hard, sticky foods (chikki, hard chocolate, raw carrots, sugarcane).
• Cut fruits like apples into small pieces instead of biting in.
• If a wire pokes your cheek, apply orthodontic wax and call the clinic.
• Never miss your monthly adjustment visit — it directly affects treatment time.

After teeth cleaning (scaling)

Your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days — that's normal.

• Use a desensitising toothpaste for 1 – 2 weeks if cold/hot foods feel sharp.
• Avoid very hot tea or ice-cold water for the first day.
• Switch to a soft-bristled brush if you were using a medium or hard one.
• Continue daily flossing — clean teeth catch food less easily.
• Schedule the next cleaning after 6 months.