While brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, 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.
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.
To do this use 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.
If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office.
How to Floss
Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth
where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective 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 forefinger 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 dental treatment, teeth are sensitive
to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is
kept 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 doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or
mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.
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.
Automatic and "high-tech" electronic toothbrushes are
safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators
(water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not
remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the
irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes called
Rotadent and Interplak.
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 doctor.
If used in conjunction with brushing and flossing,
fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay as much as
40 percent. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children
under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar
above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these
products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.
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.
Your periodontist is the best person to help you select the right products that are best for you.
Professional Cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus
to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places
your toothbrush and floss have missed. Visit your periodontist, as he
or she is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep
your teeth for your lifetime.
