Periodontal Specialists of Montana P.C.
Periodontics
50 27th Street West Suite D, Billings, MT 59102
406-655-7970
It is difficult to overstate the importance of your efforts to remove bacteria that accumulate on your teeth and gums on a daily basis. Your ability to be effective at oral hygiene will determine the frequency of your routine periodontal cleanings. You should attempt to clean your teeth as completely as possible at least once in every 24 hours. When this is done is not important. Our suggestion is that you pick a time when you can devote the needed effort to completely accomplish the task.
When you are brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle aimed 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 toothbrush 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. To do this use 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.
Periodontal disease usually appears between 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 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 between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefinger of both hands. Do not forget the back side 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.
There is no single ideal way to perform oral hygiene. Some people are more effective with small brushes the fit in between teeth than they are with floss. Some people find that automatic electric brushes are the trick for them. In the end, we want to help you to find the particular mix cleaning aids that your will use and keeps your condition stable.
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 consult with your doctor. They 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.
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. We see excellent results with the Sonicare electric toothbrushes. The vibratory brushes clean adequately with a lower risk of traumatizing the gum tissue.
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.
Many dentifrices are being marketed with new additives such as tartar control, whitening, peroxide/baking soda, etc. Many patients can tolerate these formulas with little problem. However an increasing number of patients are displaying tooth and tissue sensitivity to these agents. If you experience prolonged sensitivity to temperature change or tissue tenderness, switching back to a regular fluoride toothpaste may alleviate these symptoms.
Dr Manhart and his staff are the best people to help you select the right products that are best for you.
Daily brushing and flossing will delay the formation of bacteria and their deposits. However, frequent professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. It is essential for long term success that you faithfully keep the routine dental cleaning schedule set up by Dr. Manhart and his staff as they are an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.