|
The food we eat together with our saliva and the bacteria in our mouths form what is known as plaque or “bio-film.” It takes approximately 24 hours for plaque to fully form on our teeth.
During this time, bacteria are very active breaking down the food matter, turning it into acids, and ultimately destroying tooth enamel. It is extremely important to break up this plaque or bio-film at least every 24 hours before there is permanent damage to the teeth.
We advise that you brush using a soft toothbrush and thoroughly cleanning your teeth at least 2 times a day to keep the bacteria levels under control and help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. In order to completely remove the plaque and bacteria and slimulate the gum tissue to keep it healthy and “exercised,” it is important to brush for at least 2 full minutes. Sometimes it helps to have a timer at hand to make certain you are brushing long enough. Most of us think we are brushing “for at least 2 minutes,” when in actuality, it’s closer to only 30 seconds!
Using dental floss daily is an important adjunct to brushing. There is no toothbrush made that can get directly between teeth like floss can to reach the areas most likely to hide and protect bacteria.
The Sonicare ultrasonic power brush is one of the most effective devices on the market to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria. In addition to excellent brushing action, it has a sonic pulse, which breaks up the plaque and bacteria. It also has a 2 minute timer to insure adequate brushing time. Well worth the investment!
Oral-B / Braun makes a power toothbrush that is also very effective – especially for people who cannot tolerate sonic-type appliances, or those who are in orthodontics (braces.) Children seem to be able to use these easily.
Some special conditions in the mouth may require additional “tools” to help clean more effectively. Proxabrushes, very small tapered or bottle brush-shaped brushes, are especially good for cleaning medium to large spaces between teeth or around bridges and implants. For people who have difficulty managing dental floss, proxabrushes are the next best option to clean between teeth.
Rubber tip stimulators and Stimudents are designed to provide extra stimulation to the gum tissue in areas where there is bleeding, puffiness, and soreness. This extra “massaging” of the gum tissue helps increase blood flow which in turn, will reduce the swelling, make the tissue tighter, and help eliminate the puffy areas around the teeth which are most likely to trap bacteria.
End tuft brushes are “mini” brushes especially useful around hard-to-reach third molars, orthodontic appliances, implants, and bridges.
Super floss and Floss threaders (little plastic loops for using floss) help reach under bridges, around implants, and between teeth with braces.
Fluoride treatments and home fluoride applications are used to insure against decay in young and old. Yes, grown-ups can benefit from fluoride too! Very often, we have exposed root surfaces that can decay easily and become sensitive to temperatures. Fluoride helps alleviate these issues.
There are many different mouths with many different concerns. We try to customize your homecare to provide you with the easiest, most effective means to help you maintain a healthy mouth
|
