Daily dental hygiene is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from the enamel of the teeth. Proper teeth cleaning and dental hygiene can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, swollen and bleeding gums, receding gum line, and the ever common bad breath. The best way to have effective oral hygiene is to know what needs to be done during teeth cleaning. Start a routine by visiting your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and an oral hygiene check up. In addition, develop a habit of working on your oral health three times a day.

Follow these steps in your new oral hygiene routine. First, use a pre-rinse, as recommended by your dentist. In a recent study it was found that pre-rinses containing calcium may help fluoride remain on your teeth longer. Next, brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste, making sure to be gentle along the gum line where the teeth and gums meet. Sometimes, people equate vigorous brushing with a sufficient cleaning, but this is not always the case. To be safe, buy a soft-bristle tooth brush to allow for a deep teeth cleaning without harming the teeth or gums. Make sure brushing does not cause any bleeding.

Flossing is an essential, yet often neglected task in dental hygiene. If you are reluctant to floss, a toothbrush that gets between the teeth can be an equally effective way to remove plaque buildup during teeth cleaning. These interdental toothbrushes do not damage the gums or cause bleeding as easily as flossing.

Your routine is not complete if you do not have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or an experienced hygienist at least twice a year. This is the easiest part, since we will do all dental hygiene work while you sit back and relax. We use modern instruments and techniques to gently clean any plaque buildup around the gum line and between teeth, while also focusing on areas that you cannot normally reach during your daily routine. Depending on the effectiveness of your daily oral hygiene, the teeth cleaning can last between 30 minutes to an hour. There may be some bleeding if you have neglected your oral hygiene for and extended period and led to damaged gums. During the final step, we will polish the enamel of each tooth with a soft brush to remove staining and give your teeth a fresh, glossy shine.

In addition to maintaining a beautiful smile, recent studies have suggested a link between dental health and overall physical health. A study done at University of Otago, a premier university in New Zealand for advanced health and dental research, indicated that oral infections can significantly increase the risk of certain diseases. The researchers concluded that controlling oral diseases is necessary to prevent and manage other medical conditions.

Take the time everyday to care for your teeth with good dental hygiene and let us take care of the rest. Make bleeding gums a thing of the past with proper teeth cleaning techniques. A healthy mouth, teeth, and odorless fresh breath will not only improve your oral and general health, but also benefit your interpersonal and professional relationships. Call our office now to make an appointment for a teeth cleaning that best fits your busy schedule.

References:

• Laing E, Ashley P, Gill D, Naini F. An update on oral hygiene products and techniques. Dental Update. 2008 May;35(4):270-2, 275-6, 278-9.
• Seymour GJ, Ford PJ, Cullinan MP, Leishman S, Yamazaki K. Relationship between periodontal infections and systemic disease. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2007;13(Suppl 4):3-10.
• Vogel GL, Chow LC, Carey CM. Calcium Pre-Rinse Greatly Increases Overnight Salivary Fluoride after a 228 ppm Fluoride Rinse. Caries Research. 2008;42:401-404.