The combination of food, bacteria and salivary influences in the mouth are responsible for decay, gum disease and bad breath.
Long-term neglect of oral hygiene can result in tooth loss due to gum recession and gum disease. Bad breath in the short-term can compromise the effect of an attractive smile.
The recent World Congress of Microdentistry in Newport , USA discussed techniques of risk assessment for decay (infection) and gum disease. These assessment systems were developed to their highest standard by the Colgate sponsored research group at the University of Adelaide, Australia.
Oral hygiene techniques, when efficiently employed, are essential for such decay management programs. Daily steps to maintain a healthy mouth, fresh breath and to maximise the longevity of your teeth and smile would include:
Toothbrushing
Brushing at least twice a day with a fresh toothbrush and a modern fluoride toothpaste is a successful oral hygiene routine.
Brushing technique:
Use a soft, small toothbrush (eg. Oral B 30) making a small circular action with the brush angled at about 45° to the gumline.
Avoid tooth wear by not scrubbing in a backwards and forwards action.
An electric toothbrush (Oral B Braun toothbrush) has been proven to be ideal for many people Brush along one tooth at a time with the brush head in contact with the gumline Routinely brush all inside surfaces; then outside surfaces and finally the biting surfaces Brushing should take at least two minutes to complete.
If the gum bleeds this should be checked by your Dentist and Hygienist because gums generally only bleed from areas that are inflamed. These infected areas (gingivitis) require more attention, to ensure that they will return to a healthy condition.
Flossing and interdental cleaning
Brushing alone will not clean all the way between teeth. Regular dental flossing is really the only answer for most people although interdental brushes or water picks are useful where there are larger spaces between teeth.
Various flosses and dental tapes are available and it is recommended that the choice of floss should be one that suits you. Dentists often recommend Dentotape™ (Johnson & Johnson) as it provides a more efficient cleaning action. The efficiency of flossing will depend on the flossing technique.
Step 1
Wind floss around your middle fingers to keep it taut. Place the floss over the tips of your first fingers to reach your back teeth.
Step2
It is easier to floss your upper front teeth by placing it over the tip on one finger and one thumb.
Step 3
Ease the floss between your teeth with a gentle sawing action and THEN clean each adjacent tooth with a up and down movement of the floss pressed against the tooth surface being cleaned.
Step 4
Remember interdental brushes can be used to better clean between teeth where there is sufficient space.
Mouthwashes
In particular situations where we feel a medicated mouthwash will be beneficial, it will be suggested that you use such a product as part of your routine.
Savacol™ Mouthwash
This chlorhexidine based mouthwash has benefits where particular acute infections are encountered or as a helpful aid where intensive restorative dentistry is undertaken, or where a minor a gumlift is undertaken.
Neutraflor 220™ (Colgate)
This product is very useful as a daily fluoride mouth rinse to help in situations where decay is excessive for various reasons, such as salivary flow problems, bacterial problems etc.
Our practice stocks an extensive range of dental care products. We advise and assist our patients in the selection of these products. These products are available at close to wholesale cost.
