Oral Hygiene
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to periodontal disease than from cavities. About 42% of adults have some form of periodontal disease. The best way to minimize risk of cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted to you at an early age from another person (family member or care taker) and become part of your normal flora/microbiome; this means that certain patients are at higher risk for disease development right from the start. For those with family history of periodontal disease and decay, managing additional risk factors (such as oral hygiene and dietary or social habits) may decrease the rate at which the disease progresses. Routine visits to the dentist (with radiographs as prescribed) can lead to early detection. Early detection and appropriate treatment can lead to a good prognosis for the teeth. The later stages of periodontal disease and caries are highly preventable when addressed early on.
How to Brush Teeth
Dr. Russo recommends using a soft tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
How to Floss
Cavities are very common at the interproximal/between the teeth surfaces. Flossing is not only a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces, it is the only way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes after removal of plaque and calculus build up, teeth are temporarily sensitive to hot and cold. This is because the roots of the teeth were covered with bacteria that were acting as a thermal barrier. A sensitive toothpaste can be used in the two weeks following to alleviate any non lingering temperature sensitivity.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.
Over the counter electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Waterpiks are also effective (more so for patients with arrested periodontal disease. A waterpik is not a substitute for flossing, you will need to brush and floss in conjunction with it.
Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your dentist.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, may reduce risk of decay and promote regeneration/remineralization of affected enamel. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age.
Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional dental cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease and help promote a healthy smile for years to come!