
As your gatekeeper to oral health and wellness, Mount Royal Dental is there for you and your family. While we can’t physically be with you whenever you brush, floss or otherwise clean your teeth, the dental team empowers patients with practical information on great home care. So, we’re there by your side in spirit!
The foundation for great home care is built on brushing and flossing. While this backbone of oral health may seem straightforward, there is a right way to brush and floss.
Just how should I brush and floss my teeth? We’re glad you asked! We’ve provided a handy list of suggestions to maximise your time at the bathroom sink. After all, you’re already brushing and flossing, right? Make sure your technique is effective to keep the decay away and, along with it, to avoid the procedures that add up to time in the dentist’s chair (and money!).
The destructive plaque that inflames soft tissues and eats away at your teeth, hardens every 24 to 48 hours. Stubborn tartar or calculus can only be removed at the dentist’s office, by our skilled hygienists, and with specialised tools. Since plaque is constantly flourishing in your mouth, it’s important to brush and floss consistently. It’s generally recommended that you brush at least two times every day. Floss at least once a day. Brushing alone only removes bacteria and plaque from around two-thirds of every tooth. A lot of germs are left behind, that would otherwise be “captured” with a strand of floss.
Don’t rush brushing and flossing. It’s generally advised to brush for at least two minutes each time. Move the brush back-and-forth in short strokes, covering the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Tilt the brush so you can make several up-and-down strokes to clean the inside of each of the front teeth properly. The same diligence applies to dental floss; take great care to floss both sides of the tooth, as well as behind and around the molars or back teeth that are most susceptible to decay. Spend a couple of seconds flossing on each side of every tooth. If only your wisdom teeth have been extracted, that adds up to 28 teeth, or a total recommended flossing time of two minutes – the same amount of time that should be spent on brushing.
The Mount Royal Dental team is happy to recommend the right toothbrush or floss for your needs. It’s important to use a soft-bristled brush that is the right size and shape for your mouth, so it can adequately reach those tough, bacteria-harbouring spaces. The right floss is important because using toothpicks and their ilk can damage or irritate your gums and pieces may even break off and become stuck.
There are a multitude of healthy options to meet our diverse patient needs:
By the way, you do need to use at least an 18-inch piece of floss each time. Why? Each time you clean a new tooth, you need to use a fresh segment of floss. Otherwise, you’re just removing bacteria from one tooth and relocating it to another tooth.
Harder brushing and flossing do not equate to better brushing and flossing. In fact, aggressively brushing your teeth or snapping floss between your gums can cause damage, including increased sensitivity, enamel erosion, and gum recession. Gently guide the floss and brush between and against the teeth and gum surfaces, and under the gumline. As it relates to brushing, don’t forget to clean those areas of the mouth that tend to attract harmful bacteria and cause bad breath (such as the tongue and the roof of the mouth).
If you’re due for your next cleaning and perio-maintenance appointment, call us at (905) 581-9912.
Dr. Sam Gupta is renowned for his expertise in Implant dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Graduating with honours from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Sam’ quickly garnered accolades, including a gold medal for excellence in oral medicine and diagnosis and “The Normal Levine award” for overall excellence in dental school.
His commitment to education extends to having taught at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry and participating in monthly continuing education courses to stay abreast of dental advancements. Dr Sam always stays at the cutting edge with technological advancements and has incorporated Lasers, CT scan, GBT teeth cleaning, Digital dentistry and many other technologies to make sure patients receive the best care possible.
He prioritises building rapport with patients, ensuring they understand their treatment options. Having many families from 3-4 generations is a true testament to Dr Sam’s vision of having a caring and competent family dental practice.
Dr. Liliana Otrocol has over a decade of experience in dentistry. Since joining Mount Royal Dental in 2005, following her graduation from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Lili’ has been committed to providing exceptional dental care. Her passion for dentistry is evident in her personalised approach to each patient, ensuring comfort and trust with every procedure. She is an active member of the Burlington Dental Association and Ontario Dental Association.
Dr. Swati Khanna has extensive experience in family dentistry. A University of Toronto graduate, she specialises in root canal therapy, dentures, extractions, and children’s dentistry. Dr. Khanna is renowned for her gentle touch and soothing demeanour, which help alleviate the fears of even the most anxious young patients. Her commitment to oral health is evident through her active participation in community initiatives like ‘Brush-a-mania’ in Burlington schools and her volunteer work to benefit underprivileged families in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Hina Sohail earned her Biochemistry degree from McMaster University and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business. Then, she pursued dentistry at the University of Manitoba. Now a licensed dentist in Ontario, Dr. Sohail excels in general dentistry, prioritising comprehensive and conservative treatment. She is an active member of the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association, and Hamilton Academy of Dentistry. She is known for her gentle demeanour and commitment to patient education.
Dr. Abhishek Apratim began his dental journey in India, where he earned a Master’s in prosthodontics and practised as a specialist for six years. Then, he served as a faculty member at a Malaysian dental school. In pursuit of further knowledge, Dr. Apratim graduated with high honours from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honour society in 2020. He is skilled in oral surgery, endodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and dentures.
Dr. Shakti Singh is an orthodontic specialist in Ontario. Originally from New Delhi, he was an outstanding student, earning an Indian Dental Association Scholarship. After moving to Canada, Dr. Singh ranked first in the Canadian Dental Board’s Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge exam in 2012. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Toronto, securing one of only three spots available for internationally-trained orthodontists in Canada. As a certified LightForce provider, Dr. Singh uses advanced 3D printing technology to deliver customised orthodontic solutions.
Dr. Robert Barron earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston, followed by specialised training at Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem and the University of Toronto. Since 2004, he has served the Vaughan community and joined Mount Royal Dental in 2014. He specialises in oral surgery, including dental implants and complex extractions. Dr. Barron is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Ontario Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He has been involved in many research and international presentations.
Dr. Amy Yeung is a periodontist specialising in gum health. With a Master’s degree in periodontal studies from the University of Toronto, she has contributed significantly to research in metabolic disease, earning accolades for her thorough and high-quality work. Since 2009, Dr. Yeung has been a trusted member of the Mount Royal Dental team. She prioritises patient education, ensuring they understand their treatment options and feel confident in their care plan.
Dr. Elizabeth Geisler is an endodontist. She graduated with Honours from the University of Toronto in 2013, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Then, she completed a comprehensive residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center in New York. In 2016, she completed her specialised endodontic training at Nova Southeastern University. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Geisler is heavily involved in dental education. She is a member of the Ontario Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and the Ontario Society of Endodontists and is in the process of becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.