Oral Hygiene Aids

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Oral
Hygiene Aids

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems, but they are not a “fix-all” solution. Thorough oral homecare routines should be practiced on a daily basis to avoid future dental problems.

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease and periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss in the developed world and is completely preventable in the vast majority of cases. Professional cleanings twice a year combined with daily self-cleaning can remove a high percentage of disease-causing bacteria and plaque. In addition, teeth that are well cared for make for a sparkling white smile.

There are numerous types of oral hygiene aids on supermarket shelves, and it can be difficult to determine which will provide the best benefit to your teeth.

Here are some of the most common oral hygiene aids for home care:

Dental Flosses

Dental floss is the most common interdental and sub-gingival (below the gum) cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors. The floss itself is made from either thin nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbons and can help remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Vigorous flossing with a floss holder can cause soft tissue damage and bleeding, so great care should be taken. Floss should normally be used twice daily after brushing.

Interdental Cleaners

Many hygienists & periodontists recommend interdental brushes in addition to dental floss. These tiny brushes are gentle on the gums and very effective in cleaning the contours of teeth in between the gums. Interdental brushes come in various shapes and sizes.

Mouth Rinses

There are two basic types of mouth rinse available: Cosmetic rinses which are sold over the counter and temporarily suppress bad breath, and therapeutic rinses which may or may not require a prescription. Most dentists are skeptical about the benefits of cosmetic rinses because several studies have shown that their effectiveness against plaque is minimal. Therapeutic rinses however, are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing.

Oral Irrigators

Oral irrigators, like Water Jets and Waterpiks, have been created to clean debris from below the gum line. Water is continuously sprayed from tiny jets into the gum pockets which can help remove harmful bacteria and food particles. Overall, oral irrigators have proven effective in lowering the risk of gum disease and should not be used instead of brushing and flossing. Professional cleanings are recommended at least twice annually to remove deeper debris.

Rubber Tip Stimulators

The rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool for removing plaque from around the gum line and also for stimulating blood flow to the gums. The rubber tip stimulator should be traced gently along the outer and inner gum line at least once each day. Any plaque on the tip can be rinsed off with tap water. It is important to replace the tip as soon as it starts to appear worn and to store the stimulator in a cool, dry place.

Tongue Cleaners

Tongue cleaners are special devices that have been designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and food debris from the tongue surface. The fungi and bacteria that colonize on the tongue have been related to halitosis (bad breath) and a great many systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and stroke. Tongue cleaners can be made from metal, wood, or plastic and shaped in accordance with the contours of the tongue. Tongue cleaning should be done prior to brushing to prevent the ingestion of fungi and bacteria.

Toothbrushes

There are a great many toothbrush types available. Electric toothbrushes are generally recommended by dentists because electric brushes are much more effective than manual brushes. The vibrating or rotary motion helps to easily dislodge plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth. The same results can be obtained using a manual brush, but much more effort is needed to do so.

Manual toothbrushes should be replaced every three months because worn bristles become ineffective over time. Soft bristle toothbrushes are far less damaging to gum tissue than the medium and hard bristle varieties. In addition, an appropriate-sized ADA-approved toothbrush should be chosen to allow proper cleaning of all the teeth. Teeth should ideally be brushed after each meal, or minimally twice each day.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene aids, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.

Related Services:

Teeth Cleaning

At Gamble & Kingry Family Dentistry, we believe that getting your teeth cleaned every 6 months keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

General Dentistry

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Your search for exceptional cosmetic dentistry in Ashford ends at Gamble and Kingry Family Dentistry! Our dedicated team specializes in all aspects of cosmetic dental care

Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants are a simple, effective, and affordable way to help reduce the risk of cavities.

iTero® Digital Dentistry

Ready to visualize your new smile? The team at Gamble & Kingry Family Dentistry recognizes the vital role of modern dental technology in delivering exceptional dental care.

Fluoride Treatment

Looking for a preventive defense against tooth decay? Fluoride treatment might be right for you.

Ashford Veneers

Our veneers are designed to look and fit naturally over your teeth. Remember, veneers are a permanent dental solution.

Ashford Teeth Whitening

Let our team help you determine what whitening process is right for you, based on the current color and condition of your teeth.

Ashford Gingivitis Treatment

Begin your journey toward a radiant smile and healthier gums with Gingivitis Treatment.

Ashford Dental Bridges

A bridge is placed to correct teeth that sit on either side of a gap. A dental bridge can restore your smile, while also maintaining your face shape.

Ashford Dental Bonding

Begin your journey toward a radiant smile and healthier gums with Dental Bonding.

Root Canal

A root canal, also called endodontic treatment or therapy is a dental procedure to help save a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp tissue. If you are having pain while chewing, swollen gums, or sensitivity, you may need this procedure.

Invisalign

Dentures

Tooth loss is challenging on many levels. Not only can it affect what you eat and how you chew leading to more serious health concerns, but it can also make you feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

Active Promotion

Emergency Dentistry

You never know when a dental emergency will happen. Thankfully, Gamble & Kingry Family Dentistry is Ashford’s most trusted Dental Emergency team. We have a team of dental experts to serve you.

Periodontal Disease

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva.

Oral Hygiene Aids

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.

How To Properly Brush & Floss

Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene. Though bi-annual professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and debris, excellent homecare methods are equally valuable.

Digital X-Rays

Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.

Oral Cancer Screening

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign of a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

Dental Bridges

A safe, low-risk way to replace one or more missing teeth. Natural teeth or dental implants can be used as anchors to support the suspended replacement teeth.

Dental Crowns

Decay or trauma can cause loss of tooth structure and can compromise function as well as esthetics. Extensive loss of tooth structure can best be replaced with a restoration that covers your entire tooth as in a crown. This “full coverage” restoration can strengthen your tooth and in the hands of an expert can provide a long-lasting esthetic and functional result.

Dental Exams And Cleanings

There are two parts to your Gamble & Kingry Family dental visit – examination and cleaning. Your exam will check for cavities, plaque, and tartar on your teeth.

Extractions

While many of us do our best to keep our teeth healthy, sometimes a tooth needs to be taken out to keep you healthy. In these cases, an extraction is necessary.

Fillings

Dental fillings are the most conservative way to restore smaller areas of tooth decay. In a dental experts hand, these types of restorations can be made to conserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while providing a restoration that is almost indistinguishable from the natural tooth. Both resin and porcelain fillings can be adhesively bonded to your natural tooth to add strength.

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical endodontic treatment. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves opening the crown of the tooth, exposing the roots and pulp of the tooth. When the pulp and root is exposed the infected areas of the tooth are removed.