Oral Hygiene: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease and cavities, two of the most common dental problems. Did you know that adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than cavities? In fact, three out of four adults will experience gum disease at some point in their lives.

The culprit behind these issues is bacterial plaque – a colorless film that forms on your teeth and gums. When left untreated, plaque can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. By adopting effective daily brushing and flossing techniques, you can remove these harmful germs and safeguard your smile.

How to Brush Teeth Effectively

How to Floss Like a Pro

Flossing is critical for removing plaque between teeth, an area your toothbrush cannot reach. Here’s how to perfect your technique:

1. Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the opposite hand.
2. For upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Gently insert it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
3. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it under the gumline. Clean both tooth surfaces in each space.
4. For lower teeth, guide the floss with your forefingers and don’t forget the back sides of your last molars.
5. Rinse vigorously to remove loosened plaque and food particles.

Note: It’s normal for gums to bleed slightly when you first start flossing. Daily practice will help your gums heal and reduce bleeding.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

Teeth may feel sensitive to hot or cold after dental treatment, but this should subside with proper care. To minimize sensitivity:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene.
• Use a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse designed for sensitive teeth (as recommended by your dentist).

If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist for further advice.

Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products

With so many dental care products available, selecting the right ones can be overwhelming. Here are some expert recommendations:

• Electric Toothbrushes: Rechargeable models, such as the Oral-B Pro series, are highly effective for cleaning teeth and maintaining gum health.
• Water Flosser: These devices rinse your mouth thoroughly but should be used alongside brushing and flossing.
• Fluoride Products: Toothpastes and mouth rinses with fluoride can reduce tooth decay by up to 40%. Avoid fluoride rinses for children under six years old.
• Tartar Control Toothpaste: These can reduce tartar above the gumline but may not address gum disease.
• Anti-Plaque Mouthwash: Look for products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) to help manage early gum disease.

Discuss your choices with your dentist to ensure you’re using products safely and effectively.

The Importance of 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. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.