very cute dental hygiene video from 1939!

How to clean inbetween your teeth

• Interdental cleaning refers to cleaning between the teeth.
• Decay usually starts on the chewing surfaces of teeth and at the contact point (where adjacent teeth touch) between the teeth.
• Plaque and food particles stick to the teeth in these areas.
• The bacteria in plaque are able to convert these food particles into acids.
• It is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
• You need to be aware of the fact that plaque is being formed continuously.
• Plaque formation and growth cannot be stopped.
  It can only be controlled by regular daily brushing, flossing and the use of other dental aids.
  This must be accompanied by a six monthly dental scaling and polishing of the teeth.
• There are two essential daily routines that will prevent decay and gum disease.
  They are to brush your teeth and clean between your teeth, at least twice a day.
• Tooth brushing is necessary, but it cannot reach between the teeth.
• Cleaning between the teeth is made possible by the use of the following:
• Dental floss
• Interdental brushes
• Single tuft toothbrushes
• Dental sticks
• Rubber tip stimulators
• Irrigation devices.

• Dental floss is the best way to clean the tooth surfaces between the teeth.
• Different types of floss are available, such as regular floss, dental tape and super floss.
• Floss is also available on a plastic holder, in the shape of a bow. It forms "the string of the bow" and it makes flossing very manageable.

 

Superfloss		Dental tape
Floss holders		Regular floss

• Here are a few tips for flossing as demonstrated below:
• Use a 12-15inch (30-40cm) length of floss.
• Wrap the floss around your middle fingers.
• Hold the floss between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
• Leave about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• The floss must be taut when it is used.
• Gently guide the floss across the contact point between the teeth.
• When the floss is in position between the teeth, rub it up and down a few times against each tooth surface, one after the other.
• This is then repeated for all the teeth in the mouth.
• Be careful not to cut your gums with the floss.
• A sharp downward thrust of the floss will damage the gum and make it bleed.
• Your dentist will be happy to show you how to floss, and choose which floss is best for you.
• The floss holders shown above are easy to use, if you have difficulty using the conventional floss.

 

Floss on hands

Floss up

 

Floss down

 

• These are triangular shaped small brushes, like little pine trees.
• They are very useful for cleaning between the teeth.
• They fit onto a plastic handle, and are available in varying sizes.
• Select the size of brush that is best suited to you.
• Gently push the brush back and forth into the spaces between the teeth.
• This interdental brush is best suited to teeth that have spaces between them, caused by gum recession.
• Some degree of gum recession is seen in most mouths by middle age, and in those with gum disease, at any age.

Interdental brushes

Interdental brushing

•  

Interdental brushing

 

• These are toothbrushes with only one tuft of bristles.
• They are used where the normal, multi-tufted toothbrushes cannot reach.
• These brushes are designed for brushing around crowns, bridges, displaced and rotated teeth.

End tuft brush

• These are specially designed soft wooden wedges for cleaning between teeth. They can be used after meals or at any time.
• The end of the stick should be moistened and softened in the mouth before use.
• Gently insert the stick between the teeth, with the flat edge facing the gum.
• Then move it in and out gently to clean the teeth and massage the gums.
• Food trapped between the teeth can be removed with these sticks.
• They are effective for mouths where receding gums have left spaces between teeth.
• The sticks should only be used where there is sufficient space to allow the free movement of the stick between the teeth. Do not force them into position.
• They should not be used if they cause any bleeding.
• They are not suitable for children.
• For ease of use you can use a Perio-Aid, which is a device that holds your tooth pick on a toothbrush like handle so you can more easily reach your back teeth.                                             

Rota- Points: Rota-Points®  are plastic inter-dental cleaning devices. They are somewhat like a toothpick, or more like Stimudents (which are orangewood sticks for inter-dental cleaning). When used properly, Rota-Points can be about as effective as dental floss. 20 picks per box.

 

Perio- Aid: Insert toothpick, tighten holder, snap off excess

                                   

Stim-U-Dent

1. Moisten thoroughly in mouth to soften wood
2. Insert between teeth with narrow flat side next to gums
3. Use gentle in and out motion to clean between teeth. Do not force into tightly spaced teeth.

 

• These are pointed rubber tips that are fitted to a toothbrush handle.
• They are used to stimulate and toughen up the triangular soft gum between teeth.
• Your dentist professional will tell you if you need them.

Rubber tip stimulator

 

• Irrigating devices provide a steady or pulsating stream of water under pressure through a nozzle. They are especially useful in mouths with fixed bridges, and for cleaning between teeth.
• They should not be used as a substitute for toothbrushing OR flossing.

•  INSTRUCTIONS FOR IRRIGATING

 

•   Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water.
•   Direct the jet tip into the bottom of the sink basin and turn the on/off knob to the “On” position.
•   As soon as water begins to flow from the jet tip, press the water stop button on the handle, and turn the
• pressure control knob to the setting that you intend to use, that is comfortable to you.
•   Direct the stream of water towards the gumline at 90 degrees, so that contact is made where the tooth and gums meet.  
•   Maneuver the flow of water from tooth to tooth remembering to pause briefly between each tooth.

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manual tooth brushes VS electric tooth brushes

Wondering if that hi-tech power toothbrush on display at your dentist’s office is really better than the regular ones? What about a power toothbrush that uses AA batteries? What’s the difference between them all?

In addition to things like your brushing technique, how often you brush and the length of time you spend doing it, experts believe that the type of toothbrush you use will directly affect how well you remove plaque.1 In order to decide which type of power toothbrush is right for you, it’s helpful to understand exactly what kinds are available to you and how they differ from one another.

 

Knowing the Three Types of Power Toothbrushes

The three types of power toothbrushes on the market are rechargeable electric (including sonic), regular manual and battery power.

 

• Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: A rechargeable electric toothbrush, also known as a “power toothbrush” is the kind you plug into the wall to recharge, keeping the handle and replacing the brush head every three months. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes differ among the kind of cleaning technology they use, such as oscillating-rotating (3D Cleaning Action) or sonic technology.
• Regular Manual Toothbrush: In contrast, regular manual toothbrushes are the basic toothbrushes you’re probably accustomed to with a plastic handle and various nylon bristle designs on the brush head. This is the most common type of toothbrush, and it doesn’t require any power sources.
• Battery Power Toothbrush: Those who want a dose of power but are weary of electric toothbrushes may like battery power toothbrushes. Like electric toothbrushes, battery power toothbrushes are sometimes simply called “power toothbrushes” due to their use of an AA battery. While similar in design to regular manual toothbrushes, battery power toothbrushes have just enough vibration to add some extra cleaning action.

Feeling the Difference in Plaque Removal

According to a 2005 independent study, “Brushes that worked with a rotation oscillation action removed more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short and long-term... No other powered brush designs were consistently superior..."2 Oral-B pioneered this oscillating-rotating power technology in 1991 and has incorporated it into its premium power toothbrush range ever since.  Recently it has also incorporated this technology into entry tier (lower cost) options, like Oral-B Vitality.

Assessing Technology and Features

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: Generally rich in technology and features, electric toothbrushes provide the many oral health benefits. Some can even enable you to improve your brushing habits. Hi-tech features include:

• Numerous brushing modes specialized for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits or gum-massaging action
• Pressure sensors to signal when you’re brushing too hard
• Timers to help you keep track of how long you’re brushing each quadrant of your mouth
• Digital reminders to replace your brush head
• Oscillating-rotating or sonic technology
• Multiple brush head compatibility so you can choose which kind of bristle design you prefer

 

Most electric toothbrushes also come with features for added convenience, like a brush head or toothbrush holder, bathroom-counter storage units and travel toothbrush chargers.

 

Regular Manual Toothbrush: While ordinary toothbrushes don’t nearly provide the benefits and features of rechargeable electric toothbrushes, the technology featured in their brush heads, bristles and handle designs can be quite advanced, for example:

• Crisscrossed, extra-long or multi-level bristles
• Polished or rounded bristle tips
• Textured bristles
• Cupped-bristle design for whitening benefits
• Ergonomically designed handles with special grips
• Tapered or angled brush head
• Gum stimulators
• Tongue cleaner pads

 

Battery Power Toothbrush: While similar in features to regular manual toothbrushes, these kinds of toothbrushes also vibrate to provide additional cleaning action. In addition to those of manual toothbrushes, features include:

• Built-in AA battery that can be replaced in some models
• “On/Off” or “+/-“ button located on the handle
• Bristles or split brush heads specially designed to pulsate along with the vibrations

Modifying Brushing Technique
Proper brushing technique varies when using different kinds of toothbrushes. Both regular manual toothbrushes and battery power toothbrushes require you to provide all or most of the brushing action, moving the brush back and forth along all sides of your teeth and gums. In contrast, rechargeable electric toothbrushes provide the cleaning action while you need only guide it along all surfaces. Once they get the hang of it, many people find this method of brushing easier.

Understanding Power Toothbrush Value
Rechargeable electric toothbrushes tend to have a higher price value than battery power and regular manual toothbrushes, but you can find some for as low as $22 MSRP, like Oral-B® Vitality. Keep in mind that they offer more health benefits and features. Regular manual toothbrushes cost the least, and they are often sold in multi-packs as well as individually. Battery power toothbrushes are usually only a few dollars more than ordinary manual toothbrushes.

Trying Out a Power Toothbrush
It’s understandable to want to test-out a rechargeable electric toothbrush before buying a hi-tech one for the first time. While your dental professional is the best person to ask for a recommendation, you may also consider some affordable, entry tier options like Oral-B® CrossAction® Power Max or Oral-B® Vitality. They’re ideal for people who are curious about giving power a try but want a taste of what it’s like first.

 

Tarter (aka Calculus)- what is it? why is it bad?

Tartar AKA Dental Calculus

From the time you were a child, you've known that it's important to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Doing so prevents tartar buildup and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.

But, you may not know exactly what this evil substance called tartar is, or how it ends up on your teeth. Oral health is intricately linked to your overall well-being. So it's important to understand what leads to the formation of tartar. It's also important to know how to prevent its build-up and how it should be removed from your teeth.

What is tartar (dental calculus) and why is it a concern?

Even if you practice the best oral hygiene, there are bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria, along with proteins and food byproducts, form a sticky film called dental plaque. This film coats your teeth. Plaque is most prevalent in areas that are hard to clean -- like the molars -- just along the gum line, and around fillings or other dental products.

Plaque can be bad news for your teeth. Every time you eat, these bacteria secrete acids that can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. The acids can also cause inflammation and infection to your gums. But, if you remove plaque regularly with proper hygiene practices, you can prevent this assault on your teeth from leading to permanent tooth decay.

A bigger problem arises if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth and harden. That can happen after just 26 hours. When this occurs, the plaque hardens into tartar, or dental calculus. Because it has mineralized onto your teeth, tartar is far more difficult to remove than plaque.

What effects does tartar (dental calculus) have on teeth and gums?

Once tartar forms on your teeth, it may be more difficult for you to brush and floss your teeth effectively. If this is the case, the acids released by the bacteria in your mouth are more likely to break down your tooth enamel. That leads to cavities and tooth decay. The CDC estimates that more than 90% percent of adults over the age of 40 have some form of tooth decay.

Tartar that develops above the gum line can be especially serious. That's because the bacteria it harbors may irritate and damage your gums. Over time, this inflammation can lead to progressive gum disease. Gum disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. According to the CDC, between 5% and 11% of the adult population suffers from advanced gum disease.

The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is the initial stages of gum inflammation caused by the presence of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Gingivitis can usually be stopped and reversed with careful brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings by dental professionals.

If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease. That more serious form is known as periodontitis. With this gum disease, pockets form between the gums and teeth. Those pockets become infected by bacteria beneath the gums. The body's immune system releases chemicals to fight the bacteria. These chemicals along with the substances the bacteria release can damage the bone and other tissues that hold the teeth in place. This can lead ultimately to tooth loss and bone degradation. In addition, studies have shown that bacteria in gum disease may contribute to heart disease as well as other conditions.

Are there any tips and techniques that can help control tartar?

The best way to prevent the serious effects of tartar on your teeth is to prevent tartar from forming. Here's how:

• Brush regularly using the proper technique. A quick, 30-second brushing of your teeth morning and night is not enough to remove dental plaque and prevent tartar build-up. Use a brush with soft bristles that is small enough to reach all the areas in your mouth. Be sure to include the hard-to-reach surfaces behind your teeth and on your rear molars.

Studies have found that electronic, or powered, toothbrushes may be more effective than manual toothbrushes for plaque removal. Regardless of which type of toothbrush you use, be sure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval. These models have undergone rigorous quality control and safety tests.

• Opt for tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. Toothpastes containing pyrophosphates can help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. Additionally, the fluoride in the formula will help repair any damage to your enamel that may have already occurred. Some formulas also contain triclosan. That's an antibiotic that fights the bacteria in plaque.
• Floss, floss, floss. No matter how diligent you are about brushing your teeth, only flossing daily can remove the plaque between your teeth and prevent tartar formation in these difficult-to-reach areas.
• Watch your diet. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugary and starchy foods. When they are exposed to those foods, they release damaging acids. Try to eat a healthy diet and limit the amount of sugar-containing foods you eat. Be mindful of snacking, too, since every time you eat you are also feeding the bacteria in your mouth.

You don't have to forgo sweets or between meals munches entirely. Just be mindful about how often you indulge and be diligent about brushing your teeth. Drinking plenty of water during and after meals may also help minimize plaque build-up.

• Don't smoke. Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are more likely to have dental calculus on their teeth and under their gums.

Once tartar has formed, it is important to realize that only a dental professional will be able to remove it from your teeth. Make sure to visit your dentist every 3-6 months to remove any tartar that might have formed and prevent further complications.

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Braces- how to brush properly when you have braces

This picture shows 2 mouths after braces had been removed. One patient took good care of their mouth during the ortho treatment (left), one did not (right).

 

If you thought brushing and flossing were important before you got braces…well, you were right. But people undergoing orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to good oral hygiene.

"Braces trap food very easily, which contributes to plaque formation," says Thomas Cangialosi, D.D.S. "If plaque is not carefully removed from teeth and from around braces, patients run the risk of developing gum disease, dental decay and bad breath." Dr. Cangialosi is chairman of the Section of Growth and Development and director of the Division of Orthodontics at Columbia University.

Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, debris and food particles. The bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids. The acids irritate your gums, erode the enamel on your teeth and contribute to bad breath (halitosis).

It's important to remove the plaque thoroughly and often. Then, when your braces come off, the teeth underneath will be healthy and strong and look good. Here are some tips to help you.

Brushing

Brush the chewing surfaces and tongue side of your teeth as normal.

Effective Brushing Step 1:

Holding the brush straight against the braces, scrub in small circles 10 times.

                                                                     

Effective Brushing Step 2:

Holding the brush at an angle towards the chewing surface, scrub in small circles 10 times.

Effective Brushing Step 3:

This is the most important Step: Holding the brush to the gums as shown in the photo, scrub in small circles 10 times. Make sure that the gumline is also being cleaned.

 

 

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Soft bristles are better than medium or hard bristles at getting into those nooks and crannies. They also don't irritate your gums.

Some companies make toothbrushes especially for people with braces. Known as bi-level brushes, the brushes have longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle. You don't need to seek out these brushes, though, because many regular toothbrushes are now made this way as well.

The most important thing is to look for a brush that's soft and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). After that, the size of the brush, the shape of the handle and other variations are up to you.

What about an electric toothbrush? It's not necessary, but if you have one, it's safe to use it on your braces. Just be careful not to hit the plastic back of the brush against the brackets on your braces because it can damage them. Also, it should be used on a moderate setting so as not to break or loosen appliances.

Brush at least three times a day. It is best to brush after meals to make sure there's no food trapped in or around braces.

Brush for at least two to three minutes each time. "Brushing should be done slowly and carefully," says Dr. Cangialosi. "It's important to brush the braces and all the surfaces of the teeth, that is, the inside and outside surface and the chewing surfaces, too. Pay special attention to the areas between your brackets and your gums. You should take at least two or three minutes each time you brush." It's best to use a watch or timer to make sure you are brushing long enough.

 

 

 

Flossing

 

 

 

Floss at least once a day. It might seem like you can't possibly floss while you have braces, but you can and you should. Special flossing products can help you get into the space between the wires and your gumline. These include floss threaders and a special kind of floss. When your braces are first put on, someone in your orthodontist's office should review flossing techniques. If you're not sure you're doing it right, ask your orthodontist during your next visit.

Fluoride

Use a fluoride toothpaste. It doesn't really matter which one — just make sure it has the ADA seal of approval.

For more fluoride, try an over-the-counter fluoride rinse. These rinses usually provide enough fluoride to help protect and strengthen teeth during orthodontic treatment. However, if you have a history of cavities or are otherwise at risk of decay, your orthodontist may prescribe a fluoride rinse with a different concentration, Dr. Cangialosi says.

Consider an office treatment. You can get more fluoride — usually in the form of a gel or varnish — from your dentist during a regular visit. If you have a history of decay, your dentist may suggest this type of treatment.

 

Tools To Help You

Rubber-tipped and end-tuft or single-tuft brushes — These are special brushes that help you to get into those nooks and crannies, as well as between your teeth. The end-tuft or single-tuft brushes look something like pipe cleaners.

Oral irrigators — These instruments shoot small streams of water onto your teeth at high pressure to remove food particles. "They can be used as an aid in your oral hygiene practice, but not in place of brushing and flossing," Dr. Cangialosi says. They also should be used at a moderate setting so they don't damage the braces.

Antibacterial rinses — These rinses are fine for adults, but their high alcohol content makes them off-limits for kids. "There are alcohol-free rinses available for children to use," Dr. Cangialosi says. "But some are designed only to freshen breath and not to kill bacteria. Before buying an antibacterial rinse for your child to use, you should ask your orthodontist which rinses he or she recommends."

Disclosing solutions or tablets — Your dentist may have used these during an office visit to see where you tend to miss spots after brushing. Disclosing tablets and solutions use vegetable dye to highlight plaque or debris in your mouth. "Once you see the spots, you can quickly remove them with your toothbrush," Dr. Cangialosi says. You can find them in a drugstore or get some from your dentist and use them at home.

If you have questions about how to use any oral hygiene product, even your toothbrush, call your orthodontist's office or talk to someone there during your next visit.

Caring for Your Retainer

If you have a retainer or other removable orthodontic appliance, it needs to be cleaned regularly, too. After all, it spends a lot of time in your mouth.

Brush the appliance daily with your toothbrush and some toothpaste. This is especially important for the side that is in contact with the roof of your mouth or gums. You also can soak it in a cleaning solution. There are several that are advertised as denture cleaners. If you want to soak your retainer, talk to your orthodontist about which solution to use. Some cleaning solutions can corrode wires or other metallic areas on orthodontic appliances.

When brushing or soaking your appliance, never use hot water. It can distort the plastic and make the appliance unusable. When your retainer is not in your mouth, keep it in the case that your orthodontist gives you. Also, keep it away from your pets. Dogs and cats love the plastic and will chew it to bits if they get it.

Eating Right

While you're wearing braces, you need to think twice about eating foods that could increase your risk of cavities. You also should avoid anything that might damage your brackets or wires. Frequently breaking your braces will add to the overall treatment time.

Stay away from hard and sticky foods. Caramel, hard candy, gum…you get the idea. They can damage your braces and get stuck in the wires and brackets. While the food's stuck there, it provides lots of sugar for cavity-causing bacteria to munch on. Also, do not chew on ice cubes.

Cut down on all sugary foods. You can still have a limited amount of sweets and soda, but the more sugars you eat, the greater your risk of tooth decay.

It's not just what you eat, but also when you eat it. Frequent snacking on sugary foods is worse than eating those foods with a non-sugary meal. The more chances you give the bacteria to turn sugars into acids, the higher your risk of decay.

Dental Visits

Don't ignore your dentist just because you're visiting an orthodontist regularly. It is still important to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. You should go at least twice a year, or as often as your dentist and orthodontist recommend.

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