Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is critical in keeping your teeth healthy and enjoying them for a lifetime. Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than from cavities, and 3 out of 4 adults are affected by periodontal disease at some point in their lives. Both gum disease and tooth decay are caused by bacterial plaque. By practicing good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing, you can remove plaque from your teeth and reduce your risk of gum disease and cavities.

Proper brushing and flossing is crucial to maintaining good oral health. Brushing and flossing correctly helps you avoid a number of dental problems, including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, halitosis (bad breath) and staining and discoloration of the teeth. Our dentist and team have provided some basic instructions on brushing and flossing for you here.

You should brush your teeth at least twice each day, using an ADA-approved toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. The toothbrush should be soft-bristled and have a small head. It is recommended that you switch out your toothbrush for a new one every three months. You may also want to consider using an electric toothbrush, as this appliance has proven to be highly effective at cleaning teeth.

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to where the gums and teeth meet
2. Brush every surface of the tooth – the front, the back and the chewing surfaces
3. Use small, circular motions to gently brush the front and back surfaces
4. Use back-and-forth motions to brush the chewing surfaces
5. Do not scrub or apply pressure
6. Be sure to brush your tongue to remove fungi, food and debris

Flossing is an important part of your oral health routine. It cleans between the teeth and below the gum line, removing food and debris and preventing bacteria from accumulating in those areas and causing cavities and gum disease.

When you floss, we recommend that you:

1. Use a piece of floss about 18 inches long
2. Wrap one end around your middle finger on each hand until the hands are two to three inches apart
3. Gently move the floss between the teeth toward the gum line
4. Curve the floss in a C-shape around each individual tooth
5. Move the floss up and down several times to remove plaque and debris between the teeth
6. Do not pop the floss in and out or floss aggressively, as this could cut your gums

If you have questions about brushing or flossing, please speak with our dentist or hygiene team. We will be able to provide instructions on the best brushing and flossing techniques and recommend appropriate oral hygiene aids as needed. Give us a call today to make your appointment!

Your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold following a dental treatment. This sensitivity should not last long. Please remember that you need to keep your mouth clean. If the mouth is not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with your dentist. They may recommend special toothpaste or mouth rinses made specially for sensitive teeth.

There are many oral hygiene products available for you to use. Here are a few guidelines on choosing a product that will work for you.

Electric toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of people who use them. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices, such as Waterpiks) will rinse your mouth thoroughly but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the oral irrigator in order to clean your mouth effectively. Some of the best electric toothbrushes are Rotadent, InerPlak® by Conair, Oral-B and Sonicare.

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle that is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes known as interproximal toothbrushes that clean between your teeth. Discuss these options with your dentist to determine if they are right for you, and if so, how to use them properly.

Fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay by up to 40 percent. These rinses are not recommended for children under 6 years of age. When choosing a toothpaste and mouth rinse, check for brands approved by the American Dental Association® (ADA). You may also want to consult with your dentist about the best type of mouth rinse for you.

While daily brushing and flossing will keep plaque and calculus to a minimum, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings. These regular check-ups remove calculus and plaque in areas that are difficult to reach or that your toothbrush and floss may have missed. This helps minimize your risk of tooth decay or gum disease. You should visit the dental office every six months for this routine preventive care.

For more information about oral hygiene and to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.