Oral Hygiene

Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important?

Oral health is closely tied to keeping your teeth and gums strong for life. Gum disease affects most adults at some point and is the leading cause of tooth loss after age 35. Consistent brushing and flossing help stop plaque buildup, protecting against both cavities and periodontal disease.

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What Is the Best Way to Brush Your Teeth?

If brushing causes discomfort or if you’re unsure about your technique, call our office for guidance.

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold it at a 45-degree angle where the teeth and gums meet and use gentle, circular strokes to clean the outer surfaces. Apply light pressure to allow the bristles to slip between the teeth without causing irritation.

When you’ve finished the outside, repeat the process on the inside surfaces of your teeth. For the inside of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use short, gentle strokes.

Then move to the chewing surfaces, brushing with short strokes and adjusting the brush angle as needed. Rinse thoroughly to wash away loosened plaque.

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How Do You Floss Correctly?

Because toothbrush bristles can’t reach between teeth, flossing is essential for removing plaque in these spaces. Developing good technique takes practice, but it makes a big difference for gum health.

Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the other. For upper teeth, hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, gently working it between the teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Curve it into a C-shape against the side of each tooth and move it up and down without forcing or snapping.

Repeat for all teeth, remembering to floss both sides of each space, including the very back teeth. For lower teeth, guide the floss with your forefingers.

If your gums bleed or feel sore the first week, that’s normal; consistent flossing usually resolves this as gums become healthier.

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What Can You Do for Sensitive Teeth?

It’s common to feel temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after dental treatments. This often improves with good oral care, but if sensitivity persists, let us know. A medicated toothpaste or rinse may help reduce discomfort and protect your teeth.

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Which Oral Care Products Should You Choose?

With so many dental products available, choosing the right ones can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips:

• Electric toothbrushes: Safe and effective for most patients, especially models like Rotadent or Interplak. ‍
• Oral irrigators: They your mouth but don’t replace brushing and flossing.
• ‍Specialized brushes: Rubber tips can massage gums, while interproximal brushes can clean between teeth. ‍
• Fluoride toothpaste and rinses: When combined with brushing and flossing, they can lower decay risk by up to 40%. (Not for children under six.) ‍
• Anti-plaque rinses: ADA-approved rinses can help manage early gum disease alongside daily cleaning.

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Why Are Professional Cleanings Still Necessary?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, hardened plaque can build up in areas that are hard to reach. Professional cleanings remove the buildup and give your dentist a chance to check for early signs of gum disease or other concerns.