Dental Hygiene,
Las Vegas, NV

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

To date, there are millions of Americans currently suffering from gum disease, one of the most common health conditions in the United States. The good news when it comes to gum disease is that with proper oral hygiene, it’s a perfectly preventable condition! Gum disease, or periodontal disease when progressed, causes decay in the tooth structure as well as the gums caused by bacteria in the form of plaque. Regular brushing can help you keep your teeth clear of plaque buildup, and makes for the healthiest possible smile.

Proper Brushing Technique 

In office, our veteran team of dental hygienists can take you through proper brushing technique and how to effectively cover the full surface of your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends using a soft-birscle brush. When brushing, you should have your brush at a fourty-five degree angle and work the around the gumline making circular motions. Use light pressure and make your way across both rows of teeth, focussing on both the anterior (front-facing side) and interior (interior side) of the teeth for a a complete clean. Remember to work the brush down towards and around the gumline to best work out any plaque and bacteria. 

The best way to ensure proper brushing technique is to brush in front of a mirror!

Flossing And Why It Matters

Flossing is a vital aspect of any strong ora health regime as flossing allows you to clean the 20% of the tooth surface that brushing alone can’t reach. The key benefit of flossing is to remove any plaque or food particles from in between the gumline to prevent decay in these areas. To floss with best technique, begin with a longer thread of dental floss that’s anywhere between twelve and eighteen inches long. Then, wrap the ends of the dental floss around the tips of your fingers to firmly secure the floss, and then begin working the floss between your teeth. Make sure to gently push the floss up against the sides of your teeth and gently move the floss back and forth to work out any plaque or stubborn food particles. 

After flossing, be sure to ring your mouth out with water and swish the water around in your mouth with force. Then, spit this water out. When flossing for the first time in a while or for the first time ever, your gums may bleed or feel sore for several days upon flossing. This is normal as your gum tissue isn’t used to the force of the floss, and this will disappear over time. 

Which Oral Hygiene Products Are Right For Me?

Today, consumers have hundreds upon hundreds of different oral hygiene products to choose from and that are advertised towards them. With so many options, how can you know which products may best fit your oral health needs? We’ve put together a brief guide below that can help dental patients select the best oral hygiene products when shopping in-store.

Electric toothbrushes are effective brushed that are able to remove plaque and are recommended by many patients and consumers. Waterpiks and similar products are also very effective at keeping teeth clean, however they do not fully remove plaque and are simply a product that can be added to your brushing and flossing regimen. Interproximal brushes are great products that can remove stubborn food particles, as well as tongue scrapers that help you maintain fresh breath. 

When it comes to toothpaste and mouthwash, fluoride toothpastes are recommended and are affective at removing plaque from the teeth and mouth. It’s important to remember, however, that children under the age of six should refrain from using any fluoridated oral health products. Mouth washes and other rinses that help to remove bacteria in the mouth are also recommended by the American Dental Association, and can greatly help to improve your oral health when used alongside brushing and flossing. 

Hygiene Appointments in Las Vegas

Our team at Las Vegas Family Dentists is able to provide patients with routine dental cleanings and hygiene appointments to best protect the oral health of our patients and community. Scheduling your next cleaning or speak with our team about oral health and where to get additional educational materials today!