Oral Hygiene
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities, and three out of four adults are affected at some point. The defense is technique, not effort: here is how to brush and floss so it counts.
- Brushing
- Twice a day, soft brush, fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing
- Once a day, about 18 inches of floss
- In the office
- A professional cleaning every six months
- Mouthwash
- A useful extra, not a substitute
Every service is quoted up front, before we start. All PPO insurances accepted.
The service
One film of plaque causes both diseases.
Decay and periodontal disease share a single cause: bacterial plaque, the colorless film that forms constantly on your teeth at the gum line. Remove it thoroughly every day and you deny both diseases their start.
Daily brushing and flossing keep calculus to a minimum, but they cannot reach everything. A professional cleaning removes what your brush and floss miss, which is why the six-month visit is part of the routine, not a substitute for it.
What happens
The technique.
Dr. Danoukh recommends a soft toothbrush, light pressure and patience. If brushing hurts, call the office.
Angle the brush
Hold it at 45 degrees where gums meet teeth. Work in small, gentle circles over the outer surfaces, light pressure only.
Cover every surface
Repeat inside the back teeth, then hold the brush vertically for the inner surfaces of the front teeth. Finish the biting surfaces with short, gentle strokes, brush the gum tissue too, then rinse well.
Load the floss
Take about 18 inches (waxed is easier), wrap most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the other.
Curve, do not snap
Ease the floss between teeth with a gentle back-and-forth motion, curve it into a C against one tooth and slide it to just below the gum line. Move it up and down; every gap has two tooth surfaces to clean.
Work through the mouth
Turn to a fresh section as the floss soils, and do not skip the back of the last tooth on each side. Rinse vigorously when done.
Expect a little blood at first
Gums may bleed or feel sore in the first week of flossing. As daily flossing removes the plaque they heal, and the bleeding should stop.
Common questions
Answering your questions.
Is mouthwash worth using?
It helps reduce plaque and freshen breath, but it is an extra step, never a replacement for brushing and flossing.
My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop?
No. A little bleeding in the first week is normal and fades as the plaque comes off. If it persists, come in: it can be a sign of gum disease or of flossing too hard.
Any foods or habits to avoid?
Keep sugary and acidic food and drink occasional, and avoid smoking; tobacco is one of the worst things you can do to your gums.
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