Every patient, even denture patients, needs to be
seen at least once a year, and the vast majority of
patients should visit their dentist two to four times
a year. Studies show that
calculus [tartar] begins to accumulate on tooth surfaces between 90 and 120 days
after professional cleaning. Many patients benefit from professional cleanings
that are more frequent than every six months, especially those who don't floss
daily.
Facts on Brushing
What is the best technique for brushing? There are a number of effective brushing
techniques. Patients are advised to check with their dentist or hygienist to
determine which is the best one for them since tooth position and gum condition
vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or
elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the
entire mouth. Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently
brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the
teeth, your tongue and the chewing surfaces and in between teeth. Using a back
and forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the root surface
or make the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.
Soft or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by 1/2")
for easy access. It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp. It
should have soft,
nylon bristles with round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down
teeth. A soft, rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth effectively. Press
just firmly enough to reach the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface.
Medium and hard bristles are not recommended.
How long should I brush?
Dentists generally recommend brushing 3-4 minutes, the length of an average song
on your radio. Using an egg timer is another way to measure your brushing time.
Patients generally think they're brushing longer, but most spend less than a
minute brushing. To make sure you're doing a thorough job and not missing any
spots, patients are advised to brush the full 3-4 minutes twice a day instead
of brushing quickly five or more times through the day.
If you should have any questions about brushing, please e-mail Dr.
Parenti. He will be happy to send a reply.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||