Brushing
Toothbrushing Technique
Manual Toothbrushes
Always use a soft-bristled brush. Angle the toothbrush head at a 45-degree angle into the gumline so that the bristles are covering the tooth and the gum. Staying in one place, use a short circular motion ofr 10-15 rotations, finishing with a downward sweep for 2 minutes. DO NOT scrub back and forth, as this may cause some gum irritation. Brushing up and down, while not harmful, is not an effective method. Brushing the top surface of your tongue each time you brush your teeth. We recommend brushing for 2 minutes in the morning, evening and after meals. You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if you notice the bristles wearing down or fraying.
Powered Toothbrushes (Battery and Electric)
This is the preferred method. Some electric brushes such as Sonicare, signal every 15 seconds prompting you to divide your mouth into quadrants, brushing each quadrant for 15 seconds and shut off after 2 minutes. Proper brush placement at the gumline, partnered with longer brushing time provides superior plaque removal. In addition, the most up to date research supports this technology for cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
Flossing
Floss is available waxed, unwaxed and tape. Flossing removes bacteria and biofilm (plaque) from in between your teeth. Leaving this biofilm undisturbed can potentially cause decay in between your teeth and periodontal disease. We prefer waxed, it enables easier access and is gentler to your gums. Tear off about 18" of floss. Wrap around your middle fingers until there is aproximately 2" of floss remaining between your fingers. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving no slack. Wrap around your tooth in a "C" shape. Use a gentle upa nd down motion against the tooth. Slide the floss under the gum being careful NOT to saw back and forth. This can cut into the gums. Don't forget to floss the back of the last tooth, as this is a critical area where plaque builds. We recommend flossing at least once a day. If you find flossing difficult, flossholders such as Reach Access Flossers are a perfect solution.
Other Interproximal Aids
There are options for patients who have difficulty using dental floss or have spaces between their teeth where just flossing isn't adequate. Proxabrushes, Go Betweens, Soft Picks and Stimudents are all good examples. Using any of these aids remove harmful bacteria and prevent the progression of disease.
Fluorides/Varnish