Oral Hygiene

How to Brush

The best way to brush your teeth is to position your 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 without pressing down too hard.

When you’re done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

Make sure to also thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and biting areas. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue. 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 our office.

How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces.

The following instructions will help you be able to care for your teeth effectively.

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.

Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth, then slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section. Don’t 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. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding and soreness should stop.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. If the mouth is kept clean, this sensation should not last long. However, if the mouth is not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with Dr. Alias. A medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth may be recommended.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

There are so many products on the market that choosing the right one can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for selecting dental care products that will work for most patients:

• Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of users. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You still need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with the electric toothbrushes “Sonicare” and “Braun Oral B.”
• Rubber tip stimulators, interproximal brushes and other hygiene aids may be recommended by Dr. Alias to supplement the effectiveness of brushing and flossing.
• If used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age.
• Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but because gum disease starts below the gum line, 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 control signs of early gum disease. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.  Rinses are not meant as an substitute for effective daily brushing and flossing.