Some of the basic actions you must perform each day to prevent periodontal disease are brushing and flossing your teeth properly. We’d like to share some advice the help maintain your oral health.
How To Brush Properly
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. 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.
How To Floss Properly
Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. If the proper technique is utilized, flossing is a highly effective way to remove plaque from those tight surfaces.
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.
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. 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. Do not force or snap the floss into place.
Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth at a time. Remember there are two sides of the tooth surface that need to be cleaned within each space. 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.
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.
Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Your periodontist is the best person to help you select the right products that are best for you.
Professional Cleaning
In the deeper areas that you cannot reach, we will meticulously clean out the gum pockets using our microscopic instruments. This is also called Scaling and Root Planing.
For more information on periodontal disease, contact our office in New York City and Manhattan to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kissel.
