The foundation of any patient’s oral health is preventative care. In order to avoid conditions such as gum disease, decay and infection it is imperative for patients to engage in good oral hygiene habits at home as well as to receive regular in-office dental exams, cleanings and screenings.How do I choose the right toothpaste and mouthwash?
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay but do nothing for periodontal disease.
Tartar control toothpastes will reduce the formation of tartar (calcified dental plaque or calculus) above the gum line. But if you have sensitive teeth, they will make them worse. And, they do nothing for calculus below the gum line, where it seriously worsens Periodontal Disease.
Over-the-counter mouth rinses may kill germs that cause gum diseases in clinical studies, but in real-life perform no miracles. You still must floss! Your dentist is the best person to help you select the products that are best for you.
Tips for good brushing habits:
- Step 1 – Place bristles along the gum line at a 45 degree angle. Gently brush using a circular motion along the outer and inner tooth surfaces.
- Step 2 – Brush each tooth individually. Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Using the front half of the brush, use the same circular motion.
- Step 3 – Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back-and-forth motion. Brush the tongue to remove odor-producing bacteria.
Flossing tips:
Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind some of it around your middle finger (3 turns). This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Shorten the length between the two fingers to 6 inches and wind some floss (1 turn) around the opposite middle finger. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth as you gently rub the side of the tooth with an up and down motion. Before retrieving it, clean the adjacent tooth surface.
As you finish cleaning each contact wind the dirty floss once around the first middle finger and slide more new length of floss to proceed to the next contact.