Patient Education

Dental Care at Home—“The Fundamental Four”

Toothbrush
- Brush for 2 minutes, twice daily, with a soft bristled toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months to avoid bacterial colonization.
- Studies have shown 8 out of 10 patients using an electric toothbrush have better dental checkups than patients using a manual toothbrush.
Toothpaste
- Colgate Total is the only over-the-counter toothpaste that kills bacteria in the mouth responsible for causing gingivitis.
- Sensodyne Pronamel and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief are great over-the-counter options for patients who struggle with enamel sensitivity.
- For cavity-prone patients, prescription Prevident fluoride toothpaste and fluoride-free MI Paste are products available through our office.
Floss
- Woven floss removes up to 52% more plaque than waxed floss. Reach Gum Care is designed to be gentle on gums and has fluoride to help prevent cavities.
- For patients with tight contacts, woven floss can be difficult to use. In this case we recommend Reach Total Care—“it slides like Glide” but removes up to 2x more plaque.
Mouthrinse
- Recent research suggests every patient can benefit from the daily use of an oral rinse. Using a mouthrinse helps eliminate bacteria in the mouth responsible for infection of the teeth and gums; however, not all rinses are effective. Many over-the-counter mouthrinses only temporarily freshen breath. Mouthrinse should be used to treat bacteria which are the source of bad breath. Our office recommends Oxyfresh mouthrinse—an alcohol-free mouthrinse that soothes the gums and kills bacteria in the mouth, thus freshening breath.

Your Child and The Dentist

The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit be scheduled by age one. We recommend the initial dental visit take place with a pediatric dentist as they are best equipped to treat younger children. Parents are typically encouragedto accompany their children during these initial appointments. By age 5 (or as early as age 3) some children are ready to transition to a general dental office for longer appointments and additional treatment, as needed. We are happy to aid in this transition and prepare children for dental health changes as they approach their adolescence.

According to the American Dental Hygiene Association, a good oral hygiene routine for children includes cleaning your infant’s gums after each feeding with a water-soaked cloth. By age 3, children should be taught about correct brushing technique with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Proper flossing technique should be introduced to children by age 8. Both brushing and flossing will help develop your child’s dexterity. Regular six month dental visits should be scheduled to check for cavities and possible developmental problems (i.e. crowded, rotated or missing teeth).

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist and dental hygienist. Together they can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Common Causes of Bad Breath:

Certain foods—garlic, onion, etc.
Inadequate oral hygiene
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Gingivitis and periodontal disease
Tobacco products
Medications
Medical disorder—respiratory/sinus infection, bronchitis, diabetes, GERD /acid reflux, etc.

Treatment Options for Bad Breath:

Diet and Nutrition counseling
Improved dental home care as advised by your dentist and dental hygienist
Alternative and/or additional dental care products—toothpastes, mouthrinses, floss, etc.
Scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease
Tobacco cessation
Regularly scheduled professional cleanings to reduce, treat and prevent bad breath
Referral to a physician for evaluation of underlying medical condition

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Many people experience the sensation of “cotton mouth” however may be unsure of the cause of this unpleasant feeling. Dry Mouth or xerostomia is a condition that affects many adults. It may seem to be a minor condition; however a dry mouth can lead to other dental problems such as cavities and bad breath. To help identify the cause of dry mouth and develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it, see your dentist or dental hygienist.

Common Causes of Dry Mouth:

Medications
Smoking
Medical disorder—Sjögren's Syndrome, eating disorders, etc.
Radiation therapy

Treatment Options for Dry Mouth:

Sip on water throughout the day
Sugar-free lozenges (containing Xylitol)
Over-the-counter Biotene products
Prescription Prevident Dry Mouth Fluoride toothpaste, MI Paste or Carifree Spray

Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping.

Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay.

Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable.

If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur.

Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure.

Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman's body that promote plaque production.