Oral Hygiene Care
Electric Brush versus Manual Brushes
There have been multiple studies comparing the effectiveness of manual brushes and electric brushes.
Although not all electric brushes are the same, these studies conclude that, in general, electric brushes are more efficient in removing plaque than manual brushes with less damage to your teeth and gums. Theoretically, you can do a very good brushing with a regular hand brush, but the movements of an electric brush make the task easier and more effective. It is especially more important for people with arthritis or any condition which affects their dexterities in reaching difficult areas in the mouth. Also it helps children in achieving better oral hygiene in less time than manual tooth brush.
Also, some electric brushes (Sonicare) produce sonic vibrations that are difficult to mimic with a hand brush! Other electric brushes like Oral-B and Rotadent have small heads that help you access hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. This aspect is more important when you are talking about someone with orthodontic braces or a history of gum disease.
If you have any questions about electric toothbrushes and your oral hygiene please call us to schedule an appointment!
How to Floss Your Teeth
Teeth are round in shape so the surfaces between teeth are not easily accessible by toothbrush; therefore, the best way to clean them is by flossing. The ideal frequency for flossing is like brushing: ideally after each meal, though one time a day (before going to bed) is the necessary.
When flossing, make sure you are not cutting your gums. The goal is to clean the teeth surfaces, not the gums. In the space in between the teeth, press the floss against each side of the tooth (hug the tooth and make C around the tooth) and gently move it back and forth and up and down. Then move to the opposite surface of the adjacent tooth.
If you have any questions about flossing your teeth and you live in Roswell or Marietta please give us a call today!
Is Mouthwash Important?
If proper brushing and flossing is performed, use of mouthwash once a day in the morning can help in creating fresh breath for a long time. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is important after periodontal cleaning such as deep cleaning as it helps in reducing bacteria which creates periodontal disease but used of it for extended period of time could create stains on the teeth. It is very important to avoid use of mouthwash with alcohol as it can create dry mouth.
