Patient Education

Dental Care at Home—“The Fundamental Four”

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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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