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Tooth Brushing

It is strongly recommended that patients brush their teeth at least twice a day (especially before they go to bed each night) with an appropriate, ADA-approved soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. When brushing, please review the following steps:

• Position the brush at an angle to the gum line and then make small, concentric rotations. The patient should be able to feel the bristles against their soft tissue while doing so.
• Brush each tooth thoroughly, covering the outer surface, the inner surface, and the biting surface.
• Utilize the brush’s tip to effectively clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria from the surface and also refresh your breath.

Electric toothbrushes can be an excellent choice for patients, as they allow for simpler, even more efficient plaque removal. The bristles need to be placed against the soft tissue and teeth, and the brush will handle the work by producing steady vibrations that remove plaque and bacteria.

Flossing

Floss once each day in order to clean the spaces between teeth and under the gum line. This practice is also important because it can disrupt growing accumulations of plaque, potentially preventing serious damage to the teeth, soft tissue, and bone. When flossing, the following steps are recommended:

• Take anywhere from 12-16 inches (30-40 centimeters) of dental floss and wrap it carefully around your middle fingers so that there’s around 2 inches (5 centimeters) left for flossing between your hands.
• Gently guide the floss between your teeth and use a precise sawing motion to clean the area.
• Curl the floss so that it slopes around each tooth and underneath the gum line. Carry out the same motions carefully in these areas to fully clean the sides of each tooth.

If you are unable to maneuver traditional floss effectively, a floss holder can help.

Rinsing

Patients should always rinse their mouth with water after brushing. If you are unable to brush following a meal, rinsing can be particularly beneficial in these instances by removing food particles and destructive bacteria from vulnerable teeth and soft tissue. We recommend that you review the use of any professional rinsing product with our team initially – our doctors can help you determine if it really is the optimal option for your unique needs.

Our doctors may also recommend other dental aids, depending on your current state of overall oral health. These include:

• Tongue cleaners
• Irrigation devices
• Medicated rinses
• Fluoride
• Rubber tip stimulators
• Interdental brushes