Oral Hygiene Instructions in Spring Branch & Memorial, Houston, TX
At Lifeworks Dental, we recommend a comprehensive oral hygiene routine to ensure optimal dental health and prevent gum disease and cavities. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Flossing First Always. Why? Because you will not skip brushing and you will floss 7 days out of the week which is essential and not an option. Proper flossing technique is crucial. Instead of moving the floss straight up and down, form a ‘C’ shape with the floss against the side of each tooth. This technique, known as the ‘hug and rub’ method, allows the floss to clean more effectively under the gum line and between the teeth. Please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3pBA4cgdxw
Brushing with the Bass Method: Whether you’re using a Sonicare toothbrush or a manual one, the Bass method is highly effective. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Use a to-and-fro motion with short strokes on all teeth, both on the inner and outer surfaces. This method ensures optimal teeth cleaning. Please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4_MGFd2Sug
Mouth Rinse: After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic or antigingivitis mouthwash. This helps kill bacteria on the soft tissue areas of the gums, tongue, and palate that brushing and flossing might have missed.
Waterpik: A Waterpik is a great tool for cleaning between the teeth and below the gums. It can be used as an alternative to flossing or in addition to it. You can switch between flossing one night and using the Waterpik the next, or even use both in one session for a thorough clean. Make sure to point the angle of the waterpik 90 degree from cheek side to tongue side, the switch sides from tongue side to cheek side. Do not point down at the root tips for lower teeth and up at the root tips for upper teeth. This will cause erosion and do more damage by creating a pocket.
Video for Sonicare Powerfloss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF3MkQlwZ3Y
Video for waterpik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8sl5W5rhws
Remember, consistency is key. If you miss your nighttime routine, make sure to complete all these steps first thing in the morning. Most decay and gum disease occur in the middle of the night when bacteria, debris, and food particles can accumulate due to lower saliva rates. Cleaning well before bedtime can help prevent this.
A complete oral hygiene routine should take about 5 minutes. It’s a small investment of time for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to contact Lifeworks Dental at (713) 956-5433.
