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Brush
Proper
flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush
cannot easily Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day
remains a critical component to maintaining a healthy smile. Studies
have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most
important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the
risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis.
For proper brushing techniques
click here.
Download a pdf file of a patient education tool provided by
Aquafresh.
Floss
reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque
build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is
highly recommended.
Let’s face it, getting into a routine of regular flossing is probably
the greatest home care challenge for our patients. Studies have revealed
that only 16% of 961 periodontal patients followed over an eight-year
period, complied with the recommended maintenance schedules. The results
of these studies are an excellent example of how different our perceived
ideal can be from clinical reality. Any product or technique that can
demonstrably make flossing easier will be more likely to make it
actually happen! There are many different types of floss (besides waxed
or unwaxed) with different thicknesses, filaments, and coatings. They
are available at most dental trade shows; try them in your own mouth. If
a patient is resistant to flossing, find out why. Explore probable
causes of the problem, and suggest several products which might help.
For proper flossing instructions please
click here.
Rinse
Rinsing your mouth each day with an anti-microbial mouth rinse is
another important step in preventing the gum disease known as
gingivitis. Speak with your dental hygienist for more information on
which mouth rinse is right for you.
For a fact sheet on preventing bad breath
click here.
Chew
Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an
important part of good oral health. It stimulates the most important
natural defense against tooth decay - saliva - which, in turn helps
fight cavities, neutralize plaque acids, remineralize enamel to
strengthen teeth and wash away food particles.
Research from around the world has now shown conclusively that chewing
sugarfree gum has many oral health benefits. When chewing is
incorporated into the daily oral healthcare routine, especially after
eating and drinking, it positively affects oral health.
Many people don't know about the
scientific evidence supporting the use
of sugarfree gum, here are the hard facts.
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