Oral Hygiene Aids

Good daily oral hygiene goes a long way towards maintaining dental health.  Proper home care also supplements the care you receive in our office.

Regular professional cleanings combined with daily self-cleaning can remove a high percentage of bacteria and plaque which cause periodontal disease (also called gum disease or periodontitis).

Here are some of the most common oral hygiene aids you can use to help with proper homecare:

Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes, such as those made by  Oral B, are generally more effective than manual brushes.  The vibrating or rotary motion helps to easily dislodge plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth.

When manual toothbrushes are preferred, we recommend using a soft texture brush which is kinder to the gum tissues.  Ideally, teeth should be brushed after each meal and before bedtime.  Brushes should be replaced every three months.

Dental Floss

Dental floss is the most common cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors.  Floss can help remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and should normally be used twice daily after brushing. 

Interdental Cleaners

Interdental brushes can be used to supplement the use of dental floss.  They come in various shapes and sizes, are gentle on the gums, and are very effective in cleaning around the contours of the teeth.

Mouth Rinses

There are a few recommended mouth rinses that contain ingredients that help reduce bad breath, plaque and cavities.  We are happy to discuss the wide variety of rinses that are available during your hygiene visits.  Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing in the evening.

Oral Irrigators

Oral irrigators, like the Waterpik Waterflosser, help remove debris, bacteria and food particles from below the gum line and can be effective in lowering the risk of gum disease.

Rubber Tip Stimulators

The rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool for removing plaque from around the gum line and also for stimulating blood flow to the gums.  It can also function as a self check to see if plaque was left on the teeth after flossing.

Tongue Cleaners

Tongue cleaners are special devices which have been designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi and food debris from the tongue surface. Their use can help reduce the incidence of halitosis (bad breath).

Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

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