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Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases,(periodontal disease) than from cavities. Threeout of four adults are affected at some time intheir life. The best way to prevent cavities andperiodontal disease is by good tooth brushingand flossing techniques, performed daily.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused bybacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, whichsticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaqueconstantly forms on your teeth. By thoroughdaily brushing and flossing you can removethese germs and help prevent periodontaldisease.

How to Brush

We recommend using a soft to medium toothbrush. Position the brush at a 45 degree anglewhere your gums and teeth meet. Gently movethe brush in a circular motion several timesusing small, gentle strokes brushing the outsidesurfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure whileputting the bristles between the teeth, but not somuch pressure that you feel any discomfort.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfacesof all your teeth, follow the same directions whilecleaning the inside of the back teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lowerfront teeth, hold the brush vertically. Makeseveral gentle back-and-forth strokes over eachtooth. Don’t forget to gently brush thesurrounding gum tissue.

Next you will clean the biting surfaces of yourteeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change theposition of the brush as often as necessary toreach and clean all surfaces. Try to watchyourself in the mirror to make sure you cleaneach surface. After you are done, rinse vigorouslyto remove any plaque you might have loosenedwhile brushing.

How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between theteeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaquefrom those surfaces. However, it is important todevelop the proper technique. The followinginstructions will help you, but remember it takestime and practice.

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss aroundthe middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest ofthe floss around the middle finger of the otherhand.

To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightlybetween the thumb and forefinger of each hand.Gently insert the floss tightly between the teethusing a back-and-forth motion. Do not force thefloss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss tothe gumline then curve it into a C-shape againstone tooth. Slide it into the space between thegum and the tooth until you feel light resistance.Move the floss up and down on the side of onetooth. Remember there are two tooth surfacesthat need to be cleaned in each space. Continueto floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be carefulnot to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. Asthe floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger tothe other to get a fresh section.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the flossusing the forefinger of both hands. Do not forgetthe back side of the last tooth on both sides,upper and lower.

When you are done, rinse vigorously with waterto remove plaque and food particles. Do not bealarmed if during the first week of flossing yourgums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurtwhile flossing you could be doing it too hard orpinching the gum. As you floss daily and removethe plaque your gums will heal and the bleedingshould stop.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

There are so many products on the market 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” electronictoothbrushes are safe and effective for themajority of the patients. Oral irrigators (waterspraying devices) will rinse your mouththoroughly, but will not remove plaque. Youneed to brush and floss in conjunction with theirrigator. We see excellent results with electrictoothbrushes called Rotadent and Interplak.

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on thehandle, this is used to massage the gums afterbrushing. There are also tiny brushes(interproximal toothbrushes) that clean betweenyour teeth. If these are used improperly youcould injure the gums, so discuss proper use withyour 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 gumline 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.