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Is sitting in the dental chair one of your favorite pastimes? If you are currently nodding your head, feel free to disregard the following information.
But, if you are a member of the general population who prefer to see us only once a year, then here are a few bits of advice we can offer.
Many of our patients have questions regarding the most basic forms of oral hygiene: brushing and flossing.
Brushing and flossing are by far the easiest ways to prevent cavities from forming.
Both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective in removing plaque from teeth and we recommend using only soft bristles. Soft bristles are more effective because they can adapt to the shape of the tooth and cause much less damage to the oral cavity than medium or hard bristles.
When brushing, it is recommended to point the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gums and gently brush in a small circular motion.
With so many different types of floss available it is not surprising that consumers are confused by which one is best for them. Floss can be waxed, unwaxed, woven, flavored or unflavored and it is acceptable to choose a brand of dental floss that works well for you as they are all equally effective.
In addition, dental floss that contains cavity fighting fluoride is also available.
For those who have orthodontic braces or a type of prosthetic device such as a crown or bridge, they may benefit from the use of Super floss.
Floss picks are accepted for use in between meals, but traditional floss should be used at least once per day because of its ability to completely wrap around the tooth.
Unknown to most people, toothpaste is not altogether necessary.
The main point of brushing is to remove plaque from the teeth, which can be done without the use of toothpaste; however, we recommend purchasing fluoridated toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association Seal. Fluoride is necessary because it strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavity formation.
Performing simple tasks such as brushing and flossing regularly can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. We also highly encourage parents to instill good oral hygiene behaviors in their children so they will retain good habits throughout their lives.
