Comprehensive Guide to Dental
Hygiene and Oral Health

It doesn’t matter whether you first brush or floss when you are cleansing your teeth thoroughly and practicing good oral hygiene every day. Research from 2018 indicated that first floss and then brush could be useful in better oral hygiene. The study showed that the bacteria and debris loosened from the teeth by flossing first, and then they are removed from the mouth by brushing. However, the ADA states that it is appropriate to either floss first or brush first, based on your convenience.

For patients undergoing cancer care, a home-made mouth rinse with baking soda is always recommended. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends this as a treatment for mucositis, bowel sores, and sore throats caused due to chemotherapy or radiation. Rinse prepared from baking soda, salt, and water is used several times to relieve sores’ inconvenience and avoid infections. It can also be gargled to ease pain in the throat.

No, Waterpik is not a replacement for brushing or flossing. It is used as an adjunct but never a primary oral hygiene measure.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that you brush your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. This routine helps in maintaining oral health and preventing plaque buildup and gum diseases.

You can use either a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth effectively. It’s important to choose soft or extra soft bristles to prevent wearing down your tooth enamel. Avoid toothpaste containing abrasive materials, as they can damage your enamel. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth.

Both manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes are effective in plaque removal. However, the effectiveness of a manual toothbrush depends on your motor ability. If you have arthritis or other motor difficulties, an electric toothbrush or a battery-operated toothbrush is recommended, as they are more efficient in removing plaque.

Brushing at night is crucial because salivary flow decreases while you sleep, leading to reduced cleansing of oral tissues and increased bacterial growth in the mouth. Brushing before bed helps to stimulate salivary flow, remove food particles, and minimize bacterial growth, which is essential for preventing tooth decay and gum diseases.

A spin brush is an electric toothbrush that oscillates or spins to help clean your teeth effectively. It’s a popular choice among those who prefer a more automated brushing experience.

An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that provides fast, automatic bristle movements, either in a rotating or oscillating motion, to effectively clean your teeth. Modern electric toothbrushes are usually powered by a rechargeable battery and come with various features, including sonic or ultrasonic vibrations generated by piezoelectric crystals. These toothbrushes are known for their ability to improve oral hygiene by removing more plaque than manual brushing.

Interproximal brushes, also known as interdental brushes, are small brushes designed to clean the spaces between your teeth that a regular toothbrush can’t reach. They are especially useful for people with braces, bridges, or implants. Using interproximal brushes can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach areas.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), electric toothbrushes are highly effective in reducing oral plaque, which in turn reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. Studies show that electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque by 21% and gingivitis by 11% after three months of use. Oscillating toothbrushes (those that rotate) are generally more effective than vibrating ones.

Flossing is a crucial step in dental hygiene that helps remove bacteria and particles that a toothbrush cannot reach. It typically involves using a thin synthetic cord that is inserted between two adjacent teeth and moved up and down to clean both sides.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), interdental cleaners like dental floss play a vital role in maintaining your teeth and gums. Plaque can accumulate in areas that are inaccessible to a toothbrush, leading to cavities or gum disease. Flossing effectively removes plaque between teeth, prevents oral diseases, and stimulates blood flow to the gums.

Unwaxed dental floss has traditionally been regarded as the best because its individual floss filaments typically clean more effectively than waxed floss. However, the most important thing is to use the dental floss that works for you. It’s always better to floss than not to floss at all!

Flossing is technique-sensitive and should be done carefully until you get comfortable with it to avoid hurting your gums. Discuss with our dental team for a demo on proper floss usage.

Two popular flossing techniques are the “spool method” and the “loop method.” The spool method is commonly used, especially for those without joint problems. However, the loop method is recommended for individuals with dexterity issues, arthritis, or other joint issues. Our dental team can teach you how to use dental floss properly and effectively. Please discuss with our team so we can help you out.

The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day.

Flossing significantly contributes to proper dental health by lifting and removing plaque and food from between your teeth. While brushing removes plaque and food particles, toothbrush bristles cannot reach deep enough between teeth. Therefore, flossing is essential to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Take around 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around both of your middle fingers, leaving 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth. Pull the floss taut using your thumbs and index fingers. Gently insert the dental floss between your teeth, moving it up and down, and rub it on both surfaces of the teeth. Avoid snapping the floss into your gums to prevent injury. Curve the floss at the tooth base into a C shape as it reaches your gums, allowing it to clean between your gums and teeth. Repeat this process for each tooth, using a fresh section of floss.

If you neglect to floss, you increase your risk of developing gingivitis and tooth decay between teeth. Failing to remove plaque buildup can lead to serious dental diseases. The National Institutes of Health estimates there are about 700 types of bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria that irritate gum tissue can cause redness, inflammation, and bleeding, which promotes further bacterial growth.

Toothpaste is a dentifrice, usually in the form of paste or gel, used to clean and protect teeth with the help of a toothbrush. Toothpaste promotes oral hygiene by acting as an abrasive that helps remove dental plaque and food remnants, reducing bad breath and preventing tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease (gingivitis).

Some of the top toothpastes in the market are:

• Colgate Total
• Crest Pro-Health
• Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Anticavity Toothpaste
• Crest Tartar Protection
• Oxyfresh Toothpaste
• Parodontax Toothpaste

The main ingredients in toothpaste are abrasives and surfactants. Abrasives help scrub contaminants like plaque, tartar, and food particles off teeth. Surfactants, on the other hand, create the foaming action in toothpaste that helps evenly distribute these elements, including fluoride. Other inactive ingredients include water, and chemicals like propylene glycol and glycerol to keep the paste from drying out.

Dentists often recommend Sensodyne toothpaste because it helps alleviate sensitivity. Sensodyne uses key ingredients like Potassium Nitrate, Stannous Fluoride, or NovaMin. Potassium Nitrate soothes nerves, while Stannous Fluoride and NovaMin form a protective covering over the sensitive areas of the teeth, helping to reduce sensitivity pain.

When selecting toothpaste, avoid those containing highly abrasive materials as they can harm your enamel. The need for fluoride in toothpaste may vary depending on your sensitivity to it. Discuss with our dental team to determine the right kind of toothpaste for you, whether it be Oxyfresh, Parodontax, or another brand.

Fluoride is one of the best anti-cavity medications available. It is found in virtually all foods and water supplies at various levels. For over 50 years, the positive health effects of fluoride have been well-established and are supported by numerous professional and health organizations.

Choose the toothpaste that provides the most comfort for your dental needs. If you need professional guidance, you can always contact us for recommendations.

Systemic Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay by integrating into the outer layer of the tooth enamel. Fluoride contained in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels provides topical fluoride benefits. Nearly all dentists and dental hygienists recommend professional fluoride applications during dental checkups, especially for children.

Topical fluoride strengthens teeth that have already erupted or are developing below the gum line. You can obtain fluoride through most foods and water, or in supplement form as drops or gels, recommended by your dentist or physician. Fluoride drops are usually suggested for infants, while tablets are recommended for children 12 years and older. Monitoring the amount of fluoride a child ingests is crucial, as excessive amounts during tooth development can lead to a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth).

Using charcoal toothpaste may actually harm your teeth and gums, with no substantial proof that it whitens teeth. The abrasiveness of activated charcoal can wear away tooth enamel, exposing the more sensitive dentin layer underneath. Dentists recommend using toothpaste with soft abrasives, as substances like charcoal can damage teeth and remove protective enamel.

The Oral-B Superfloss is designed to help clean those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, especially when you have braces, dental implants, bridges, or wide gaps between your teeth. Superfloss consists of three components: a stiffened-end threader, a spongy floss section, and regular floss. The rigid end allows easy insertion between braces and under retainers, while the spongy floss effectively removes plaque around appliances, and the regular floss cleans adjacent teeth. Superfloss comes in pre-cut strands, ensuring you always use the right amount.

A proxy brush, also known as an interdental brush, is a type of interdental cleaner used to clean between teeth. The proxy brush features small bristles on a wire connected to a short plastic handle, making it easy to slide between teeth. They come in various sizes to fit different gaps. Using a proxy brush can help remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, areas often missed by regular brushing. Like flossing, you pass it between your teeth until all surfaces are clean.

A gum stimulator is a common and affordable oral hygiene tool, typically found in most drug stores. It usually has a metal handle with a rubber or silicone tip at the end. The tip is used to massage the gum line, which can help remove plaque and food particles, as well as stimulate blood flow to the gums. Over time, the tip may wear down, but it can be easily replaced. Regular use of a gum stimulator can help improve gum health and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Orajel is a brand name for benzocaine, a topical anesthetic used to relieve pain from a sore throat, mouth, or discomfort caused by canker sores. It is available over-the-counter, and Dr. Adatrow can provide specific dosage instructions based on your condition.

Peridex is an antimicrobial mouthwash used to reduce gingivitis symptoms as a supplement to scaling and root planing treatments. It is available over-the-counter or by prescription. Peridex helps control plaque buildup and maintain gum health when used as directed by your dentist.

To use a gum stimulator, place the rubber tip at a 45-degree angle between two teeth and gently massage the gum line with circular motions. Repeat this process for each space between your teeth. You can also use the stimulator tip to clean along the gum line, helping to remove any remaining plaque or food particles.

Gum stimulators improve oral health by removing plaque along the gum line and enhancing blood flow to the gums. They are especially useful for people with larger gaps between their teeth, helping to keep these areas clean and reducing the risk of gum disease.

A Waterpik is a brand of water flossers that use a pressurized water stream to remove food and plaque from between the teeth. Water flossers are ideal for people who find traditional flossing challenging, especially when they need to thread floss between their teeth.

Fill the Waterpik reservoir with lukewarm water, place the flossing tip in your mouth, and turn the device on. Hold the handle at a 90° angle to your teeth and spray the water, leaning over a sink to catch the excess water. The pulsating water effectively cleans between your teeth and along the gum line.

There are two types of mouthwashes: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily relieve bad breath but offer no long-term benefits. In contrast, therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients that help control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. Using a therapeutic mouthwash can enhance your oral hygiene routine.