Dental Oral Hygiene

Have any of your previous dental health providers ever shown you ways to keep your mouth clean? Many times these techniques get overlooked. We want to challenge that dental status quo. We at Med City Dental strongly believe in prevention over dental intervention. Part of our mission is to educate and help prevent the need for dental treatment intervention. We will show proper techniques in brushing and flossing to help you achieve and maintain your oral health. We wouldn’t be doing our duty as dental professionals if we didn’t recommend brushing at least two times per day for a minimum of two minutes each and flossing at least once per day.

Brushing Techniques

How to Floss

Periodontal and gingival disease develops around 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 tips will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

1. Start with a piece of waxed floss about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand. Form a “C” shape with your index fingers and thumbs to hold the floss
2. Start on the upper back teeth. Hold the floss tightly between the thumb and index finger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion to get through the contact area – careful not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gumline then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth while sliding it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth – like shoe shinning. Don’t forget there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Work your way from one side of the mouth to the other. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.
3. Now down to the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower. Work your way around again from one side to the other. 
4. When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Your gums may be “mad” at you for not giving them the proper attention and may bleed or be a little sore. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

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.

When choosing a toothbrush we believe that soft bristle tooth brushes are best. Electric and manual toothbrushes both work great when used properly. The nice thing about electric tooth brushes is that they have built in timers and pressure sensors. Purchasing the most expensive toothbrush on the market will not make a difference in its effectiveness. We recommend a “middle of the road” electric toothbrush when making your purchase. 

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.

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 gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

Professional Dental Cleanings in Rochester MN

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. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.