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Dr. Campbell
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Oral Hygiene refers to the many
different techniques available to maintain teeth and prevent dental disease.
Tooth brushing is by far the most popular and widely used technique. The
practice of tooth brushing is a daily ritual for virtually everyone in the
world. Today, dentists are recommending brushing at least two times a day,
morning and evening. If you have had a recent experience with gum disease or
cavities, then brushing after every meal is also recommended.
Selecting a
Toothbrush
Proper technique is just as important as the frequency of brushing.
Proper brushing technique begins with selection of an adequate toothbrush and
tooth paste. The ideal tooth brush will be labeled "soft" bristle.
"Hard" or "Medium" bristles have been found to wear down
the teeth especially at the gum line. This process would take place after
years of continual use, and the "Hard" or "Medium" bristle
brush may be used occasionally without causing problems. The variations in
bristle shapes and design are good for the most particular individuals, but
the straight standard design has proven to work well through the years with
proper use. The handle of the toothbrush should be comfortable to hold. There
are now many contours and textures of handles available at this time for your
preference. If you have arthritis or other limitation in your hands, wider
handles are helpful as well as electric toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes are becoming extremely popular, now that
rechargeable batteries are becoming more reliable. Electric toothbrushes are
especially recommended for patients who find toothbrushing physically
challenging. The electric toothbrushes provide the fine motions which are
sometimes difficult for those with arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis,
broken bones, or other ailments. Some patients have found that an adequate
cleaning can be accomplished quicker with an electric toothbrush, though
university studies have not consistently substantiated this. A few of the
brand names for electric toothbrushes are Braun, Interplack, and Butler. The
ionizing toothbrushes often advertised on cable are not widely accepted
currently, and university studies have validated their benefit.
Selecting a
Toothpaste
Selecting a toothpaste can be quite confusing today with the many
different additives and choices. The single most universal and important
additive is fluoride. If a toothpaste does not state directly that it
contains fluoride, then don't buy it. The benefits of fluoride have been well
established and documented by hundreds of studies in universities. Beyond the
fluoride additive, the next most important additive is the flavoring,
especially for children. Currently, there are specially designed toothpaste
for children, which are very sweet. These are sweetened with
sugar-substitute, and are excellent motivators for children. They pose small
danger of causing stomachache from over consumption, so children should be
monitored while they brush; of course, children should always be monitored
while they brush to insure they are doing a good job.
Other toothpaste additives are baking soda, tartar control medicines,
peroxide gels, and whiteners. All are useful and not harmful. To simplify
your choices, the largest toothpaste manufacturers are probably the best,
Crest and Colgate. For specific recommendations about specific choices you
may have, ask a dentist who knows your dental conditions.
Brushing Your
Teeth
The technique of brushing has not changed for years. One quarter to
one half inch of toothpaste on a wet brush should be stroked first on the
tops of the teeth. Then proceed to the gum line on both side of each tooth.
Either small circular motions, vertical motions, or horizontal motions are
acceptable. The small motion should not drag the bristles across multiple
teeth, but should create a vibratory motion of the bristles on the teeth, to
agitate the toothpaste into lather.
On the back of the front teeth, a vertical or circular motion should
be used with the brush held straight out of the mouth.
While many studies have suggested 5 even 10 minutes of brushing are
required, thorough brushing is a matter of accomplishing the task, removal of
plaque. Plaque is bacteria and food debris, which gathers on the surface of
the teeth. Disclosure tablets can help you to evaluate your proficiency at
brushing. Disclosure tablets die the plaque on the teeth pink. This allows
you to more easily assess if any spots have been missed.
Flossing
Flossing is the second most important technique needed to keep you
teeth clean. Flossing should be done at least once a day to remove plaque
from between the teeth and under the gum line. Brushing alone cannot reach
these areas. Because tooth decay and gum infections often start in these
areas, it is very important to clean them thoroughly every day.
Flossing is a skill that needs to be learned. Don't be discouraged if
you find flossing difficult at first. In fact, when you first take up
flossing, it is common to have slight bleeding and soreness. For this reason
when you first take up flossing, it is best to floss before bedtime at night.
The bleeding after you floss should stop in a few moments as you sleep. The
gums bleed because they are weak and soft in these areas if you don't floss
regularly. As you learn to floss, the gums will toughen up, and you will
become better at the skill of flossing. After about two weeks you should be
able to floss anytime with out fear of slight bleeding.
When flossing break off about 18 inches of floss, and wind it around
your pointing fingers or the tall fingers. Leave about 3 or 4 inches of
string between your hands. Pinch and pull the floss tightly between your
thumbs and pointing fingers with about an inch between them. The floss should
be taut with no slack. Using a gentle sawing motion, guide the floss between
you teeth. As the floss gets through the contact, stop sawing and begin a up
and down massaging motion in the thin space between one of the teeth and the
gums. Be sure the floss is pressed tightly against the tooth, curving around
its contours. After a couple of strokes against the first tooth, lift the
floss to the top of the space beneath the contact. Move the pressure to the
other tooth and resume the up and down massage with the floss pressed tightly
against this tooth, again curving around it's contours. Be sure not to hurt
yourself, flossing should not be painful nor should it lacerate the gums.
While flossing takes quite a while to describe, the complete action
once practiced can be completed in moments. Repeat the flossing for every
tooth, including the sides of teeth that are not in contact with any other
tooth, especially the back side of the last teeth.
Flossing is vital to the health and longevity of your teeth. If you find
it difficult to accomplish there are commercial floss holders which may make
it slightly easier. There is another technique which involves tying the floss
in a loop instead of wrapping it around the fingers. You may also find that
the floss can be rinsed and used repeatedly if tied in a loop, which saves
the time you spend trying to throw away the floss. 'Cause floss don't fly'.
Wider floss can be helpful for those experiencing gum infection. Waxed floss
can be helpful for those with very tight contacts between the teeth. There is
even flavored floss which can be quite refreshing. Kids should begin flossing
at about age 12 and the loop technique is especially good for kids.
Flossing Alternatives
If there are some physical limitations which prevent you from being
able to floss, then a Water Pick is an acceptable alternative. A Water Pick
shoots a stream of water between the teeth to dislodge any food particles and
most of the plaque. Tooth picks are advocated by some dentists, but
university studies would dispute the sufficiency of this technique in
replacing flossing. Toothpick can be used after dinner to help clean the gum
line, however, the tip should be slightly blunted to prevent laceration of
the gums. Proxy brushes may also be useful in cleaning contact which are very
wide. If an individual has braces or a bridge, then floss threaders are
excellent at drawing the floss through the contacts allowing thorough
flossing to be accomplished despite the closed contacts.
Again, this guide is only for educational purposes for the curious.
You should have personalized oral hygiene instruction prescribed by a dentist
who has evaluated your own dental conditions. If you do not have a
personal dentists, call or email Dr. Campbell, Dentists today and set up an
initial consultation, 1-800-999-0649 or hygiene@drcampbell.com.
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