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Toothbrush
We recommend a very soft toothbrush, used after each meal
or snack and replaced monthly. Some people soak their brush
periodically in a chlorine solution to sterilize it. We also
recommend keeping a spare in your pocketbook, desk, glove
compartment, backpack, etc.. Brushing after each meal is a
valuable habit to establish; the traditional twice a day guideline
is really just a bare minimum. When you’re out and about,
do it with plain water instead of toothpaste if that makes
it more convenient.
How to brush
 Gently
use the brush to remove plaque from each surface of each tooth.
Then turn your attention to the sulcus, the groove between
the tooth and the gumline. The sulcus traps plaque and is
where most adult dental problems begin. It is both the most
important area to clean, and the most neglected. Point the
bristles into this groove at 45-degree angle to the tooth.
Gently sweep the sulcus clean and massage it to stimulate
circulation. Move methodically throughout the mouth so you
clean around every tooth, including every molar.
How not to brush
Avoid scrubbing at the gumline. This technique will not effectively
clean the sulcus, but it can damage the tissue and cause gum
recession, leading to painful sensitivity. A slower, more
gentle, more methodical approach will yield better results.
A sulcus brush containing two narrow rows of bristles is
especially helpful in cleaning the sulcus, because it fits
better into the groove. Another type of sulcus brush has a
circular, pointed tuft of bristles. After you brush and floss,
soften the sulcus brush in warm water, or even better, wet
it with Dental Herb Co. Tooth and Gum Tonic. Gently massage
into the sulcus around each tooth. Your mouth will feel really
clean.
Floss
When people ask, “What is the best dental insurance?”
our answer is “floss.” Floss is cheap, portable,
and it really makes a big difference. It can save you tens
of thousands of dollars in dental treatment and add years
to your life. Floss deep under the gumline, scraping up the
sides of each tooth. Use the sniff test to see how you’re
doing. If the floss smells, it’s telling you something
that your friends may not mention.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, pay attention!
Healthy gums do not bleed, just like your scalp should not
bleed when you brush your hair. Don’t back off; the
blood means you need to clean deeper and more thoroughly.
And make an appointment with your dentist. Bleeding gums indicate
a potentially serious problem.
An egg timer
It’s a fact of modern life that we hurry through most
activities, and it’s tempting to scrub our teeth in
haste while mentally planning our day. If an egg timer helps
you to be mindful and slow down, use one! Remember that your
goal is to remove all the plaque from each surface of the
tooth, including under the gumline. You can’t accomplish
this in 30 seconds. Set the timer for five minutes, and do
the job right.
Electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush isn’t essential, but it can
contribute to dexterity and motivation. We like a soft, rotary
style toothbrush that moves in a circular motion, such as
a Rotadent or a Braun. But those suggestions are not mandatory.
The “best” toothbrush is one that you like to
use.
Tongue rake
Yes, we strongly recommend cleaning your tongue. A coated
tongue is a primary cause of bad breath. Scrape it with a
plastic tongue rake, which will do a better job than your
toothbrush, to see what you’ve been missing. A clean
tongue will make your mouth fresher, and your food will taste
better.
Toothpaste
Remember that the primary goal of toothbrushing is to remove
all of the plaque. Toothpaste is not absolutely essential
to this process, but a supporting agent. We like the Dental
Herb Company’s Tooth and Gums paste. Tooth and Gums
paste contains no sodium lauryl sulfate, an artificial
foaming agent
found in most brands of toothpaste. Its fluoride content
comes from green tea. It has a refreshing, not sweet, taste.
Another
natural toothpaste can be made from baking soda and peroxide.
Mouthwash
Commercial mouthwashes that rely heavily on alcohol are
relatively harsh and drying to the mouth tissues, which
can be counterproductive.
We generally recommend milder solutions for daily use. Our
favorite is Dental Herb Co. Tooth and Gums Tonic, which
we
carry in our office. It is alcohol-free and is made from
organic herbs. It contains gotu kola, an herb that supports
the health
of connective tissues. However, we sometimes do recommend
stronger preparations for specific purposes.
Oral irrigator
When periodontal disease takes hold, it eats away the bone
that holds the teeth in place. As the bone level falls, the
sulcus gets deeper. Normally this groove ranges from 1-3 mm
deep. When it deepens to 4, 5, or even 6 or more millimeters,
it becomes impossible to clean with brush and floss. For patients
in this situation, we recommend an oral irrigator called a
Hydrofloss. The Hydrofloss can point a stream of water under
the gumline to flush out bacteria and toxins. Medicaments
can be added to the water to help kill the bacteria and cleanse
the tissues. Please note that an irrigator is not a substitute
for professional care. Periodontal disease absolutely requires
care by a hygienist and dentist. And an irrigator will not
remove hardened buildup from the roots, just as brush and
floss cannot. However, an irrigator is a great adjunct for
home maintenance of periodontal pockets. Many healthy patients
enjoy using it also for prevention and for the cleanest tasting
mouth.
Under The Gums Irrigant, another herbal product by Dental
Herb Co., is one of many products that can be added to the
water in the irrigator.
Whitening
Our office uses a whitening system that is economical, conservative
and gives you maximum control over the process, both initially
and whenever you want a touch-up. This involves making custom
trays to fit your teeth, which will hold the whitening product
in place. You take the materials home and use them on the
schedule that suits you, for a half-hour to hour at a time.
One of the risks of tooth whitening is that of heightened
tooth sensitivity. This usually goes away in a day or two,
but for some people can be rather uncomfortable. This system
allows you to whiten at a rate that feels most comfortable
for you, and you can touch up at your convenience. Your progress
is professionally monitored during your dental hygiene visits.
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