121 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
Why Oral Hygiene Is So Important
Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to periodontal disease than to cavities, and three out of four adults are affected by some form of gum disease at some point in their life. The good news is that most of this is preventable. The best way to prevent both cavities and periodontal disease is through good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, practiced consistently every day.
Periodontal disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth along the gumline. Thorough daily brushing and flossing remove these germs before they have a chance to cause lasting damage, making a consistent home routine one of the most effective tools you have for protecting your smile. We share this guidance with patients throughout Mineola, NY, Garden City, New Hyde Park, East Williston and Roslyn Heights.
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What Good Oral Hygiene Protects You From
A consistent oral hygiene routine offers protection that goes well beyond a clean-feeling mouth:
- Reduces the risk of cavities, since daily brushing and flossing remove the plaque responsible for tooth decay
- Helps prevent gum disease, protecting the bone and tissue that keep your teeth securely in place
- Supports fresher breath by removing trapped food particles and bacteria
- Preserves your natural teeth longer, reducing the need for more invasive treatment down the road
- Complements professional care, since a strong home routine makes your regular cleanings more effective
Good Oral Hygiene Matters for Everyone
Proper brushing and flossing habits benefit patients of every age and dental history, but they matter especially if you:
- Have a history of cavities or gum disease
- Notice bleeding, swelling or tenderness in your gums
- Are recovering from recent dental treatment and want to protect your results
- Experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Want to reduce your risk of needing more extensive dental treatment in the future
Even patients with excellent oral health benefit from reviewing proper technique, since small habits, like brushing too hard or skipping certain areas, can go unnoticed for years.
Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products
There are so many products on the market that 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 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.
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.
Proper Brushing Technique, Step by Step
Dr. Druz, Dr. Sukiasian, Dr. Weinreb, Dr. Baine, Dr. Joseph or Dr. Gavras recommend using a soft tooth brush. 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 brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure when placing the bristles between the teeth, but not so much 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 by using 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.
Proper Flossing Technique, Step by Step
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 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, two tooth surfaces 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 forefingers 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.
Supporting Your Oral Health Beyond Daily Care
Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth become temporarily sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity should not last long, as long as the mouth is kept clean. If oral hygiene is neglected during this time, sensitivity can persist or even worsen. If you are experiencing especially sensitive teeth, it is worth discussing with your doctor, who may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse designed specifically for sensitive teeth.
Daily brushing and flossing keep dental calculus to a minimum, but even the most diligent home routine cannot reach everywhere. A professional dental cleaning removes calculus in places your toothbrush and floss may have missed, making your regular visit to our office an essential part of your overall plan to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Build a Stronger Daily Routine, Starting Today
Good oral hygiene at home works hand in hand with regular professional care. Schedule your next cleaning and exam with our team at PM Dental Care in Mineola, NY to keep your smile healthy for years to come.
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