Oral Hygiene Matters

Teeth Cleaning in Chino Hills CA

Why is the oral hygiene so important for everyone?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by correct tooth brushing and flossing techniques performed daily.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum-line, the plaque could also be above and under the gum-line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. If not brushed or flossed daily, the plaque can harden and become calcified which is called dental calculus.

How to Brush Your Teeth

If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Peyton Dental & Specialties Phone Number 909-464-2682.

Dr. Park, Dr. Sunwoo and our Dental Hygienist recommend using a soft bristled tooth brush. 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 brushing each and every surface of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort. Too much pressure while brushing could cause gum recession where the root of the tooth surface is being exposed. Exposing the root surface can cause decay and sensitivity. SO BRUSH VERY GENTLY!

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 while making back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.

You will then clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. After you are done, spit excess toothpaste out, but do not rinse your mouth out with water.

How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your tooth brush 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 or length from index to elbow. Lightly wrap some floss around the middle or index finger (whichever feels more comfortable) of your dominant hand and wrap the rest of the floss around the middle or index finger of the other hand.

To clean the upper teeth, 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. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gumline 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. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember, there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. 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.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers 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.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

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.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

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.

Manual and electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. It is necessary to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator.

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, are used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, it can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%. These rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

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.

A healthy mouth includes a healthy tongue! Do not forget to brush or scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper. Bacteria can accumulate on the tongue causing bad breath and most of the odor is located on the tongue so make sure to brush or scrape with a tongue scraper.

Professional Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus with special instruments in places you have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your life to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.