How to Brush
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:
(click here to see pictures)
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, we prefer woven, 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 into
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 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 made by
Oral-B, Braun and Sonicare.
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.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses if used in
conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce tooth
decay as much as 40%. 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
and keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Libertyville: 847 362-6650
