Teeth Cleaning - Queens

How important are teeth cleanings?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum (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 good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily and regular hygiene maintenance visits at your dental office. Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque (biofilm). Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at 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. Your dental hygienist will remove the plaque and/or calculus at your hygiene maintenance visits. Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional hygiene maintenance visit will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.

How important is it to floss regularly?

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush 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. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently slide the floss between your teeth. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line 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.. Do not forget the backside 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.

 

How important is it to brush regularly?

TWhile brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, 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. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort. Brush towards the biting surface to sweep off the plaque you have dislodged with the circular motion. 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. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don't forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue. Next you will 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. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing. If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office.

Regular teeth cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are important for maintaining good oral health. Some of the reasons to have teeth cleanings on a regular basis include:

1. Remove plaque and tartar buildup: Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Professional teeth cleanings remove these deposits, which can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
2. Prevent gum disease: Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Regular teeth cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing bacteria and plaque that can cause inflammation and infection in the gums.
3. Detect and prevent tooth decay: During a teeth cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist can detect early signs of tooth decay and take steps to prevent it from progressing.
4. Maintain oral health: Regular teeth cleanings are an important part of maintaining overall oral health. In addition to removing plaque and tartar, dental professionals can provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, offer advice on diet and nutrition, and check for any signs of oral cancer or other conditions.
5. Save money: Preventive dental care, such as regular teeth cleanings, can help save money in the long run by avoiding more expensive and extensive dental procedures that may be necessary if oral health problems are left untreated.
6. Overall, regular teeth cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health and preventing oral health problems. It is generally recommended to have teeth cleanings every six months, although the frequency may vary depending on individual oral health needs.

Regular teeth cleaning and flossing are the only ways to reduce the onset of decay and periodontal disease. Richard Lestz, DDS