Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is vital for preserving not just your smile but also your overall health. Did you know that adults over 35 are more likely to lose teeth due to gum diseases like periodontal disease than cavities? In fact, three out of four adults are affected by gum disease at some point in their lives. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by maintaining a consistent routine of brushing and flossing daily. At Joseph P. Simone Family Dentistry, our dentist in Metairie, LA is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health through proper hygiene practices.

Why is Oral Hygiene So Important?

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are primarily caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film that sticks to your teeth, particularly along the gum line. Plaque forms continuously and, if not removed, can lead to serious dental problems. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove this plaque and significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease. Visiting our dentist in Metairie, LA regularly allows us to monitor and maintain your oral health, catching any issues early before they become more serious.

How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively

Proper brushing is a cornerstone of oral hygiene. Here’s how to ensure you’re doing it right:

  1. Choose the Right Brush: Dr. Simone recommends using a soft to medium toothbrush.
  2. Positioning the Brush: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
  3. Brushing Technique: Gently move the brush in a circular motion with small, gentle strokes to clean the outside surfaces of your teeth. Apply light pressure to ensure the bristles reach between the teeth but not so much that it causes discomfort.
  4. Cleaning All Surfaces: After cleaning the outside surfaces, repeat the process for the inside surfaces of your back teeth. For the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use gentle back-and-forth strokes. Don’t forget to brush the surrounding gum tissue as well.
  5. Rinsing: After brushing, rinse vigorously to remove any loosened plaque. Watching yourself in the mirror can help ensure you clean every surface thoroughly.

If you have any pain while brushing your teeth or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Metairie Office Phone Number 504-456-0964.

The Importance of Flossing

Flossing is crucial for cleaning areas where your toothbrush cannot reach, especially between the teeth, which are often the starting points for periodontal disease. Here’s how to floss properly:

  1. Prepare the Floss: Use about 18 inches of floss (waxed floss is usually easier to handle). Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.
  2. Flossing Technique for Upper Teeth: Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger, gently insert it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion, and avoid snapping it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth, sliding it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of the tooth, cleaning both sides in each space.
  3. Flossing Technique for Lower Teeth: Guide the floss with your forefingers and don’t forget to clean the back side of the last tooth on both the upper and lower sides.
  4. Rinsing After Flossing: After flossing, rinse thoroughly with water to remove plaque and food particles.

If you notice bleeding or soreness during the first week of flossing, this is normal and should subside as your gums heal and become healthier. However, if the discomfort persists, you may need to adjust your technique.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

After dental treatments, your teeth may be temporarily sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity should decrease over time if you maintain good oral hygiene. If the sensitivity persists, consult with our dentist in Metairie, LA. We may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products

Navigating the vast array of oral hygiene products can be overwhelming. Here are some recommendations from our staff to help you make the right choice:

  • Toothbrushes: Automatic and electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for most patients.
  • Oral Irrigators: These devices can rinse your mouth thoroughly but do not remove plaque, so they should be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
  • Specialized Brushes: Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip for massaging the gums after brushing. There are also tiny interproximal brushes for cleaning between your teeth.
  • Fluoride Products: Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay by up to 40% when used alongside brushing and flossing. However, these products are not recommended for children under six.
  • Anti-Plaque Rinses: Rinses approved by the American Dental Association may help control early gum disease when used with regular brushing and flossing.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing are essential, but they can only do so much. Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove calculus (hardened plaque) in places that your toothbrush and floss might miss. Regular visits to our office are crucial for preventing gum disease and ensuring your teeth remain healthy throughout your life.

By following these oral hygiene guidelines and scheduling regular check-ups with our dentist in Metairie, LA, you’re taking the right steps to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene, contact our office today at 504-456-0964.