Oral Hygiene

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities.  The best way you can prevent periodontal disease and cavities is by brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis with proper technique.

How to Brush Teeth

  • Using a soft toothbrush, position the brush at a 45° angle where your gums and teeth meet
  • Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times
  • Use small, gentle strokes brushing every surface of your teeth
  • Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth

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 Day Hill Dental Phone Number 860-688-5595.

Schedule Your Appointment

Call us: 860-688-5595

How to Floss

Periodontal disease can be prevented by flossing the plaque out from between your teeth daily.  Gingivitis and periodontal disease normally appear in your gums between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. The following instructions will help you with the proper technique, but remember it takes time and practice.

  • Start with a piece of floss about 12” long – lightly wrap the floss around the pointer or middle finger of each hand
  • Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion
  • Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth
  • Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth
  • Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower
  • When you are done, rinse with water to remove plaque and food particles

Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

how to prevent tooth decay

There are several simple and affordable ways to prevent cavities:

  • Brush twice and floss once daily; use a fluoridated toothpaste
  • Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year
  • Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods
  • Ask your dentist or hygienist about additional cleaning tools and techniques

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients:

  • Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients
  • Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque
  • Interdental/interproximal brushes have a rubber tip on the handle that is used to massage the gums after brushing
  • Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%