If needed we will ask the specialist – a Periodontist – to evaluate and assist if you have specific or advanced problems. In short your programme will be specific to your needs. Our hygienist will then carefully and gently remove the build up of plaque and calculus from all of the teeth. Then she will polish the teeth to make future cleaning at home easier.
The humble toothbrush is still the basis of prevention of gum disease. Bear in mind that only a small toothbrush can get in small places, we keep a range of junior toothbrushes. Your teeth are the same size as they were when you were a teenager! While brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing. If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office.
Dental floss is designed to clean the “cuff” or pockets around your teeth. It is a difficult habit to acquire but well worth it – our hygienist will show you how. It is often said that you will keep the teeth that you floss. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) 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. To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide 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. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. 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.
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the backside of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower. 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.
Automatic and high-tech electronic toothbrushes are safe, efficient and effective for the majority of patients. Interdental brushes are excellent for cleaning in-between teeth. Bear in mind though that this does not replace dental floss because it cannot reach into the depth of the pockets.
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 let us know. We may be able to address the cause of the sensitivity. We may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.
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.
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. Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the Irish Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Mouthwashes can be a most effective extra to tooth brushing and the use of dental floss. We will recommend a mouthwash according to the severity of your gum disease.
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 practice is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.
Good nutrition plays a large role in your dental health. Brushing and flossing help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong, however a balanced diet will help to boost your bodies immune system, leaving you less vulnerable to oral disease. How often and what you eat have been found to affect your dental health. Eating starchy foods such as crackers, bread, cookies and candy causes the bacteria in your mouth to feed on it, they then produce acids, which attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes or more. Also foods that stick to your teeth or are slow to dissolve give the acids more time to work on destroying your tooth enamel.
Starchy foods include:
Sticky/slow to dissolve foods:
Sticky and starchy foods create less acid when eaten as part of a meal. Saliva production increases at mealtime, rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids. Foods such as nuts, cheese, onions, and some teas have been shown to slow growth of decay-causing bacteria in the mouth.
