Home Care
Our ultimate goal is a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. The single most important factor in achieving this goal is your Home Care. You go to the dentist for cleanings anywhere from 2 to 4 times a year. That is once every 90 to 180 days. You are responsible for all the other days. It is our mission to train to to effectively perform your tasks. Effective home care will always yield healthy mouths. It works every time.
Reasons why proper brushing and flossing are essential:
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Prevention of tooth decay –If you have mostly natural tooth surfaces touching each other in adjacent teeth, the only manner to clean these surfaces is with dental floss. Beyond the interproximal decay, floss is supplanted by other very (more) effective devices. Which devices are best for any patient is determined by a proper exam by your dentist or hygienist. After proper training is given you will be able to do all that is needed to maintain your health for a lifetime.
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Prevention of periodontal disease – Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition which can cause tooth loss, gum recession and jawbone recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the bacterial toxins found in plaque. All the bacterial contaminations in the mouth can and will affect the rest of the body. They add to any inflammatory process anywhere else in the body. They are systemic contaminants that originate in the mouth. Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surface of the tooth using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas using dental floss, is an excellent way to start the healing process. Home care maintains it.
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Prevention of halitosis – Bad breath or halitosis is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing; leaving the mouth healthier, and breath smelling fresher.
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Prevention of staining – Staining or the yellowing of teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as smoking, coffee and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent.
Tooth brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a soft bristle brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should have at least two, preferably three to four, toothbrushes that you rotate between uses. This keeps the bristles firm when you go to use them. Wet bristles are too soft and do not clean teeth and gums well.
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Place the brush at about 45 degree angle to the gums and vigorously brush using small, pivoting motions (circular, back and forth, up and down motions all work), ensuring that you always feel the bristles working between the teeth and gums (like a handbrush between the finger and fingernail bed).
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Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
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Always realize your teeth are curved and you need to rotate the position of the bristles to brush each surface. Think of what you need to do with a paintbrush to totally paint a circular column. The toothbrush must be angled to directly contact each surface.
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Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
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Brush your tongue to remove bacteria that is hidden in all the rough grooves and papilla and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes that vibrate in short back and forth strokes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Brushes that move circularly are less effective. Proper use requires instructions from your dentist.
Flossing
Daily flossing is a good way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline, but not the only way. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Dr. Prus has a special technique that he shows patients to make flossing much easier than the nornal way of wrapping the floss around the middle fingers. Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing with Mouthwashes
Mouthwash rinses, such as Scope and Listerine offer some assistance in controlling bacterial growth on the teeth and gums. It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.
Interproximal Brushes and Picks
CDE has developed a tooth cleaning protocol that can be adapted to any dental condition that will almost guarantee totally healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime when followed by his patients. Ask about it.