October is “National Dental Hygiene Month,” a month to bring awareness to the importance of oral health and the great work that dental hygienists do. Dr. Jennifer Santoro and the team at Village Center Dentistry feel there is no better way to recognize Dental Hygiene Month than by helping patients “brush up” on proper oral hygiene techniques.
Brushing Technique
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, and a toothpaste with the ADA’s seal of approval.
To begin, position your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short strokes to move the brush back and forth over the tooth. Slowly cover the outer surface and chewing surface of each tooth. Use up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surface of each tooth. Avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing (hint: if your brush’s bristles are bending or becoming squished as you brush, you are using too much pressure). You should only brush one or two teeth at a time. Once you have covered every tooth in your mouth, brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria that can accumulate in its crevices. We recommend using an electric toothbrush rather than a manual one. The brush that we recommend is the Oral B electric toothbrush. We always carry them in the office so stop by if you are in need of an upgrade!
Flossing Technique
Measure about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Hold the rest of the floss with your thumb and the middle finger of your other hand. With about one inch of floss between your hands, glide the floss in between your teeth, moving it back and forth to dislodge bacteria and trapped food particles. When the floss reaches your gumline, wrap it in a C shape around the tooth and gently scrape the sides of the tooth. Make sure to repeat these motions on every tooth.
When you have finished brushing and flossing all of your teeth, rinse with a mouthwash to get rid of any leftover food debris or loosened plaque.
Highlighted Product: Waterpik
We have noticed a significant decrease in periodontal pocket measurements in patients who routinely use a water flosser known as a Waterpik. A Waterpik is like a power washer for your gums. It breaks up the bacteria under your gums and gets to depths your toothbrush and floss are unable to get to. We HIGHLY recommend the Waterpik, so please ask us about this product at your next appointment. Not all brands and models are created equally, so let us help pick the right one for you!
Schedule an Dental Appointment with Our Team
Of course, any at-home oral hygiene routine should be combined with regular office visits for professional cleanings and exams. Our hygienists have a gentle touch and a wealth of knowledge about oral health; they can recommend more techniques and dental products that will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. They can also help Dr. Santoro spot any potential oral health problems in their early stages, when they are more treatable.
To schedule your next hygiene visit, please call or email our office today.
