Family Dentistry
Oral Hygiene in Del Mar, CA
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
At Del Mar View Dental Care, Dr. Charlton recommends using a soft toothbrush for your daily oral care routine. To start, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion, using small, gentle strokes to clean the outside surfaces of your teeth. Apply light pressure, ensuring that the bristles reach between your teeth, but avoid pressing so hard that it causes discomfort.
Once you’ve cleaned the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same technique to clean the inside surfaces of your back teeth.
For the inside surfaces of your upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically and make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Be sure to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue as well.
Next, clean the biting surfaces of your teeth using short, gentle strokes. Adjust the position of the brush as needed to reach and clean all surfaces effectively. It’s a good idea to watch yourself in the mirror to ensure that you’re thoroughly cleaning each area. After brushing, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque that you might have loosened during your routine.
This careful and gentle approach to brushing will help maintain your oral health and keep your smile looking its best.
Periodontal disease often develops between the teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is a crucial method for removing plaque from these surfaces, but it’s important to develop the correct technique. The following instructions will guide you, but remember that mastering flossing takes time and practice.
- Prepare the Floss: Start with about 18 inches of waxed dental floss (waxed floss is generally easier to use). Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, and wrap the remaining floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Flossing the Upper Teeth: To clean your upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid forcing the floss or snapping it into place. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it gently into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down along the side of one tooth, remembering that there are two tooth surfaces to clean in each space. Continue this process for each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut or damage the gum tissue between your teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, rotate it to use a clean section.
- Flossing the Lower Teeth: To clean between your lower teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Don’t forget to clean the back side of the last tooth on both the upper and lower rows.
- Rinse: Once you’ve finished flossing, rinse your mouth vigorously with water to remove any loosened plaque or food particles.
It’s normal for your gums to bleed or feel a little sore during the first week of flossing, especially if you’re new to the habit. If your gums hurt while flossing, you might be applying too much pressure or pinching the gum tissue. With daily flossing, your gums will heal, and the bleeding should subside as plaque is removed.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to effectively remove plaque and help prevent periodontal disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
- Electronic Toothbrushes: Automatic and high-tech electronic toothbrushes are both safe and effective for the majority of patients. We’ve seen excellent results with electric toothbrushes like Rotadent and Interplak. These devices can enhance your brushing routine, providing a thorough clean.
- Oral Irrigators: Oral irrigators, or water-spraying devices, are great for thoroughly rinsing your mouth, but they do not remove plaque. It’s important to use these devices alongside regular brushing and flossing for the best results.
- Toothbrushes with Rubber Tips: Some toothbrushes come with a rubber tip on the handle, designed for massaging the gums after brushing. Additionally, tiny brushes known as interproximal toothbrushes can help clean between your teeth. However, these should be used carefully to avoid injuring your gums. Be sure to discuss proper use with Dr. Charlton during your visit.
- Fluoride Toothpastes and Mouth Rinses: Using fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses in conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce tooth decay by up to 40%. However, remember that these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age.
- Tartar Control Toothpastes: Tartar control toothpastes can help reduce tartar buildup above the gum line. However, since gum disease often begins below the gum line, these products haven’t been proven to reduce the early stages of gum disease.
- Anti-Plaque Rinses: Anti-plaque rinses approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) contain agents that may help manage early gum disease. For the best results, use these rinses in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing.
By choosing the right products and using them correctly, you can maintain excellent oral health. If you have any questions about which products are best for you, don’t hesitate to discuss them with Dr. Charlton during your next visit to Del Mar View Dental Care.