Oral Hygiene
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Periodontal Disease
Oral Hygiene
How to Brush
When brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth and gums meet. Use gentle circular motions with small strokes to clean effectively. Apply light pressure so the bristles reach between the teeth, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent discomfort. Once you finish cleaning the outer surfaces, repeat the same method for the inner surfaces of the back teeth.
To clean the inner surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, position the toothbrush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes on each tooth. Be sure to carefully clean along the gum line as well.
Next, focus on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Use short, gentle strokes and adjust the angle of the brush as needed to reach all areas. Brushing in front of a mirror can help ensure that every surface is cleaned thoroughly. After brushing, rinse your mouth well to remove loosened plaque and debris.
If you experience discomfort while brushing or have questions about proper brushing techniques, please contact Mainline Dental Arts for guidance.
How to Floss
Gum disease often begins between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from these areas and plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums. Developing the correct flossing technique may take time and practice.
Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the remaining floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
For the upper teeth, hold the floss firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Gently guide it between the teeth using a slow back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it gently beneath the gum line until you feel slight resistance. Move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth. Remember to clean both sides of each space between the teeth. Continue this process for all upper teeth, taking care not to injure the gum tissue. As the floss becomes used, shift to a clean section.
When flossing the lower teeth, guide the floss using your forefingers. Be sure to clean behind the last tooth on both the upper and lower arches.
After flossing, rinse thoroughly with water to remove loosened plaque and food particles. It is normal for gums to feel slightly sore or bleed during the first few days of flossing. With regular daily flossing, gums usually become healthier and bleeding should decrease. If discomfort continues, you may be flossing too forcefully.
Top 5 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
Maintaining fresh breath starts with good oral hygiene and consistent dental care. Brushing and flossing daily helps remove bacteria that cause odor. Cleaning the tongue, staying well hydrated, and maintaining regular dental visits are also important. Limiting foods that contribute to strong odors and avoiding tobacco products can further help maintain fresh breath throughout the day.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
It is common for teeth to feel sensitive to hot or cold foods following certain dental treatments. In many cases, this sensitivity improves as long as the mouth is kept clean and plaque-free. However, poor oral hygiene can prolong or worsen sensitivity.
If sensitivity continues or becomes uncomfortable, consult with Michael Strassberg, DDS, Juliana Ko, DMD, or Milita Borguet, DMD. A specially formulated toothpaste or mouth rinse designed for sensitive teeth may be recommended to help reduce discomfort.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
With so many dental care products available, selecting the right ones can feel overwhelming. The following recommendations can help most patients make informed choices:
- Electric or advanced toothbrushes are generally safe and effective for daily use. Oral irrigators can help rinse away debris but should always be used alongside brushing and flossing, not as a replacement.
- Some toothbrushes include rubber tips for gently massaging the gums after brushing. Interdental brushes can also help clean between teeth, but improper use may irritate the gums, so professional guidance is recommended.
- Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, when used together with brushing and flossing, can significantly reduce tooth decay. These rinses are not recommended for children under six years old.
- Tartar-control toothpastes help reduce buildup above the gum line, though they may not prevent gum disease that begins below the gums.
- Anti-plaque mouth rinses approved by the American Dental Association may help manage early signs of gum disease when combined with proper oral hygiene habits.
Your dental team at Mainline Dental Arts can help you choose products that best suit your individual oral health needs.
Contact Us
- Mainline Dental Arts LLC 110 N Essex Ave, Narberth, PA 19072, United States
Working Hours
- MON - WED : 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- FRI, SAT & SUN : Closed
