ORAL HYGIENE

Why is oral hygiene so important?

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 gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

How to Brush

Dr Kulik recommends using a soft or ultra soft toothbrush. Use light pressure but not too much that you feel discomfort and follow the instructions in the following link below: How to Brush

How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

Follow the link below:How to Floss

When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

Interdental/Proxybrushes

Interdental brushing are used to help remove plaque and food debris in those areas with larger spaces between the teeth that trap food and plaque as well as to cleaning under bridges and around braces. Proxybrush use is demonstrated in this link: Proxybrush Demonstration

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” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes such as the Sonicare.

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle; this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your 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 gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

Discuss the best options for anti plaque rinses with your dental provider to see which product may be right for you.  Medications and systemic illness may play a role in choosing the most effective oral rinse based on your individual needs.

Professional Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. At Kulik Dental, our highly trained Dental Hygienists will work with you to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. 

Regardless of age, our hygienist will personalize your treatment plan based on your individual needs and lifestyle.  Through a thorough medical and dental assessment at every visit they will tailor your recall interval and homecare regime to provide you with the best opportunity for optimal overall health.

Although we do our best to maximize your insurance benefits, treatment plans are based on your personalized needs not what your insurance plan will cover.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe.

If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.

If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at 705.560.4000.