According to the American Academy of Periodontology, topical antibiotic treatment may be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Every person has different needs based on their particular situation, so be sure to talk to your dental professional about using these antibiotics as part of your course of treatment; he or she will determine if they are a good fit for you.
What role does the tooth fairy play in teaching children oral hygiene habits?
A new study by Delta Dental surveyed parents who “allow” the tooth fairy into their homes, had a pleasant surprise that the tooth fairy’s visit inspires kids to create and maintain good oral hygiene habits.
The same study found 80% of households with children receive visits from the tooth fairy, and the average payout by the fairy for a tooth is $4.03, up 9% compared to last year.
This a study and story we are happy to report!
Dental Floss:
Tight spaces/Good for those spaces that other floss shreds easily https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste-floss/listerine-ultraclean-floss
A great, thin, unwaxed floss, POH dental floss: https://buypoh.com/oral-hygiene/
GUM expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gum+expanding+floss
Hayden expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6X77J7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9VxtFbXM2P084
Dr. Tung’s expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016790E7Q/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_V1xtFb19B30YV
Coco Floss: https://cocofloss.com
Bridge & Implant Flossers: https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/floss-threaders.html
Floss with threader attached for tight spaces: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPZWBR9/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_UKTlFbYGFPKGN
PROXYSOFT floss – 3 in 1, periodontal floss, or Bridge and Implant Floss: https://proxysoft.com/shop/product-features/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvqj34-WJ6gIVGopaBR1g3QeSEAAYASABEgJoNfD_BwE
INTERDENTAL BRUSHES AND SOFTPICKS
SOFTPICKS (Original, Advanced, or Wider Spaces): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning.html
GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html
TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!): https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original
GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-stimulator.html
Plaque Buster travel rubbertip stimulator: https://www.theplaquebuster.com/Oral B end tufted brush: https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush
TEPE compact end tufted brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft
GUM brand tongue scraper: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html
Oral B end tufted brush: https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush
TEPE compact end tufted brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft
GUM brand tongue scraper: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html
Proxysoft Bridge & Implant Floss: https://proxysoft.com/product/proxysoft-bridge-implant-cleaners/
TEPE Universal Care Brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-universal-care
Thinner floss with threader attached for tight spaces: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-easythread-floss.html
GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html
TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!): https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original
Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.
Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!
Our last Blog Article Covered the Importance of Proper Toothbrushing. Now, let’s talk about how and why to clean well between your teeth – daily!
The areas in between the teeth cannot be reached with a toothbrush. This is the primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay!! This is why it is so important to clean between your teeth every day. Traditionally, floss has been used to remove this disease producing bacteria, but softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in sizes and gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients, even more effective than flossing alone!
Softpicks are also a great tool for daily use between the teeth, for tighter spaces. They come in Original, Advanced (With a curved, longer handle) and a bigger size for Wider Spaces
LINK FOR PRODUCTS WE LOVE: https://mailchi.mp/85b2a6a889d6/britten-perio-homecare-products-we-love
Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.
Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!
Part 1: PROPER TOOTHBRUSHING
- A proper toothbrushing technique is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
- Brush gently, thoughtfully and thoroughly twice a day to minimize the debris and bacteria in your mouth.
- Bristle selection: Bristles that are too hard, or an incorrect technique of brushing can cause your gums to be damaged during the toothbrushing process and can cause them to recede (gum recession) or cause destruction (abrasion) to the teeth and roots.
- We recommend changing your toothbrush at least every 90 days or after an illness.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle so that the filaments reach the gum line. Brush with light pressure using small circular or vibrating movements. Brush the inside, outside and biting surfaces of the teeth.
- Brush twice a day for at least four minutes if using a manual toothbrush.
We recommend the Sonicare Power Toothbrush for our patients.
- Divide your mouth into four quadrants. This can help ensure that you brush each section of your teeth and mouth cavity.
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum line with a Sonicare or 90 degrees with an oscillating brush such as the Oral B.
- Apply gentle pressure, keeping the bristles in contact with your tooth surface and gum line, which can help ensure you get the most effective result possible.
- Stay on each area for 30 seconds, moving the brush only when it is time to go to the next area. Once you’ve completed this procedure for a quadrant, move to the inner surfaces of your teeth and repeat the same procedure.
- To brush behind your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically using only the front half of your brush.
- Clean biting surfaces, your tongue, and soft palate. This can help remove debris and other odor causing bacteria.
Stay Tuned for Our Next Blog Article – Where We Will Talk About How To Take Care of Your Teeth In Between and Other Oral Hygiene Aids!
Traditionally, floss has been used to help remove the disease-producing bacteria in between the teeth. This bacteria cannot be reached with a toothbrush alone. Bacteria between the teeth is a primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay. It is so important to clean between your teeth every day!
Softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in many sizes and are gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients – more effective than flossing alone!
And Dr. Britten (pictured above with his TEPE softpicks) is hoping for football season, and says “Go Gators”!
#brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist
Did you know? Periodontal disease is usually more severe towards the back of the mouth and between the teeth because these areas are more difficult to keep clean and free of plaque. Just look at these very differently shaped molars!
Interdental brushes serve as an alternative or even great addition to brushing and flossing. They can be used daily and can be effective for plaque removal. Proxabrushes, or interdental brushes, are a type of interdental cleaner, meaning it is used to brush between the teeth. For many patients, they are easier to use than dental floss. There must be at least a small space between the tooth and gum for the brush to pass, so it is ideal for back teeth and/or areas where there has been bone loss, and wider spaces between the teeth. For most people with treated Periodontal Disease there is no other interdental cleaning aid that works as well as an interdental brush. A proxabrush typically wears out within two weeks when used daily. A supply of replacement brushes should be kept for ease and speed of brush renewal.
They are available on handles (similar to length of toothbrush handles) or in travel sizes. A travel proxabrush is covered by a cap that sheaths over the brush. This form of ProxaBrush is conveniently kept in ones pocket or purse, and thus is good for those individuals who want to clean between their teeth during the day, or to take to restaurants or trips.
Who Should Use Them?
- Anyone who finds flossing difficult
- People who don’t like to floss
- People with exposed roots
- Deep dental pockets
- Areas of bone loss or gum recession
- Areas where teeth are missing
- Previous gum surgery which has exposed more tooth and root anatomy
- Larger spaces between the teeth
- Grooves and concavities in teeth and roots
- People with braces – great around brackets and wires
How To Use Them
For more questions about oral hygiene and interdental care, periodontal disease of dentistry, visit www.brittenperio.com
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Toothbrush
For most patients, a power toothbrush is the best choice. Studies show power toothbrushes are much more effective at cleaning teeth by removing plaque and stain effectively, particularly for those who have a history of tooth decay, gum disease, difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. Dr. Britten often recommends the Sonicare® Platinum toothbrush, as it is shaped like a traditional toothbrush head, and aids in effective plaque removal and gum stimulation and massage.
If not using a power toothbrush, a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth and along the gum line. Small-headed soft bristled toothbrushes are also preferred, as they can reach areas way in the back of the mouth. Dental professionals generally encourage their patients to pick whatever shape and size is most comfortable. The best toothbrush is one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth easily.
Replace your toothbrush (or power toothbrush head) when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first, or after any illness.
Toothpaste
Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, it’s important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen the outer tooth enamel of our teeth. However, if you are allergic to fluoride, you may want to choose a different toothpaste. Be sure to speak to your dentist or physician before making this switch.
Sometimes a higher, or prescription-level dosage of fluoride is necessary for patients with sensitive teeth, exposed roots, or at greater risk for tooth decay. Dr. Britten often prescribes Clinpro 5000 toothpaste, which contains a therapeutic level of fluoride, in addition to calcium and phosphate, other minerals that help strengthen enamel and the roots of the teeth.
Dr. Britten prefers toothpastes without added harsh chemicals. Some tartar control, whitening, or flavorings burn or irritate the soft tissues of the mouth (inside of lips, cheeks, the tongue, or even the gum tissues). Some toothpastes, especially those with added whitening agents, are abrasive to the enamel and over time can wear it away slowly. Ask your dental professional which products they recommend for whitening or tartar control.
Rinses
Mouthwash and fluoride mouth rinse are two different products. Anti-bacterial mouthwashes (like Listerine) are more effective in controlling plaque than fluoride rinses, and also freshen breath. Fluoride rinses (like ACT brand) coat the teeth with fluoride to strengthen teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities. They also freshen breath.
Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, so always read the label before giving mouth rinse to a child or someone with a history of substance abuse. Your dental professional may recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash, or to dilute with 1:2 or 2:3 parts’ water.
There are other antimicrobial (Chlorhexidine) or fluoride (Perio-Med) rinses that Dr. Britten recommends available by prescription as needed.
Clean between the teeth at least once per day to remove dental plaque from areas not reached by tooth brushing alone and where tooth decay and gum disease often occur!
Floss
Flossing is critical for healthy gums. Floss is available in many different sizes, coatings, flavors and forms. If you have trouble using the floss around your fingers, you can purchase floss holders in most drugstores and grocery stores. Dr. Britten recommends a floss with texture, rather than a slippery, waxy floss, which will leave a plaque residue behind.
Two of our favorites: Listerine “Gentle Gum Care” , (formerly Reach brand) woven floss. The soft cloth material protects your sensitive gums while effectively removing sticky plaque build up. This soft, springy and resilient dental floss removes plaque effectively and is easier on the gum line.
POH No Wax floss has many thin strands of nylon which enable our floss to disrupt and disorganize sticky bacterial plaque, which is the key to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It won’t just slide over plaque. The multiple strands of tiny nylon slip easily between the closest teeth, able to get just under the gum line.
LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® Dental Floss has shred-resistant technology to stretch, flex and glide for an ultimate clean. Its MICRO-GROOVES® technology removes 2x more plaque than Glide® Mint Floss.
How to floss: Place the floss around your index and middle fingers, make a C shape around each tooth and use a push-pull and up and down motion to remove plaque at and below the gum line and between the teeth. Try to be gentle when placing the floss below the gum line.
Children should floss once a day with the assistance of their parents. Many people floss just before bedtime. But if another time is more convenient for you, do it then.
Water Irrigation Devices (such as Sonicare Air Flosser or Waterpik)
Water irrigation devices can remove food from between teeth. Children or teenagers with braces or other orthodontic appliances may find these devices useful to remove food debris and plaque from the teeth and gum line. These devices have shown reductions in bleeding, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and plaque accumulation.
Water irrigation devices are most effective when used along with tooth brushing and manual removal of plaque between the teeth with dental floss or other interdental aids and should not ever replace your toothbrush or floss! Also, proper angulation and power settings will avoid injuring thin gum tissues, which may lead to gum recession.
Interdental Brushes or Picks
Dr. Britten recommends using plaque between the teeth using interproximal brushes, go-betweens or soft-picks. These are great tools which remove dental plaque from areas between the teeth most commonly missed by toothbrushing alone. As a popular and effective alternative or addition to dental floss, we recommend GUM® brand Proxabrushes®, Soft-Picks ® or Go-Betweens® are safe and easy to use for cleaning between natural teeth and around crowns, bridges, dental implants and orthodontic appliances.
Proxabrush (Interdental brushes)
Between-teeth cleaning with interdental brushes such as GUM® Proxabrush Go-Betweens® cleaners is as effective as dental floss in removing plaque but is perceived to be much easier and more convenient.
These products are available on long handles (size of a toothbrush handle) or travel-size making it easy to carry the Go-Betweens® cleaners in your pocket or purse for use outside of the home.
The soft nylon bristles have an antibacterial coating** to help keep the brush clean and hygienic between uses. Different sizes of brush heads are available to fit from the tightest to widest of between teeth spaces. Tight brush heads are designed to clean the tooth and gum surfaces adjacent to the tight spaces.
In four diameters: Ultra Tight, Tight, Moderate and Wide brush heads. Choose the diameter that easily fits into the spaces between the teeth, under the bridge, or around the wires and brackets of an orthodontic appliance.
HOW TO USE
Use gentle in-and-out motions in the spaces between teeth and implants and around crowns and bridges to remove dental plaque and food particles.
- Never force the brush into tight spaces.*** Do not bend or twist wires during use.
- Rinse the brush and handle after each use.
***If a space is too tight to accommodate the smallest Ultra Tight brush, consider using string floss of a Soft-Pick in that space.
GUM® Soft-Picks®: For healthy gums and a great-looking smile, GUM® Soft-Picks® are the convenient way to effectively remove food, plaque and massage gums.
GUM® Soft-Picks®: For healthy gums and a great-looking smile, GUM® Soft-Picks® are the convenient way to effectively remove food, plaque and massage gums.
Dr. Britten and his hygienists are trained to help you select the appropriate oral hygiene aids for your maximum oral health and plaque removal. For more information regarding other oral hygiene aids that Dr. Britten recommends, visit https://brittenperio.com/oral-health/oral-hygiene/
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