Oral Hygiene is not difficult, but is repetitive and time-consuming. Here are some guidelines:
Make sure that you spend sufficient time on oral hygiene each day. When brushing, spend at least 2 minutes per session, twice a day as an average. Flossing should be done at least 2-3 times a week, or whenever food gets caught between the teeth. If your have open spaces between teeth, for example with gum recession, then floss becomes less important, and you need either to use a thicker floss (like SuperFloss) or an Interproximal brush.
Remember that no single brush or tool can clean all the "nooks and crannies" of your teeth! The key is to develop a system to use, and make the time to use it. It's not easy, or even very interesting, but the results are that your mouth will harbor fewer problem bacteria, and your overall health will benefit!
Morning:
Evening:
Switch off the morning and evening regimens!
Buy an electric tooth brush! I recommend three (good prices/selection at Long's Drugs, Rite-Aid, etc.)
Brand |
Cost | Special Notes & Uses |
| Sonicare | $90-120 | Overall best brush! Robust, can be used with all toothpastes. |
| Braun/Oral-B (Rotary Brush) |
$20-50 | "Regular" or "Ultra Plaque Remover" is great for most teeth and in hard to reach areas! "3-D" Model is new and untested, but is probably effective. |
| InterPlak (Rotary Brush) | $20-40 | Virtually identical to the above brush, and more effective than manual brushing. |
Remember that toothpastes are not nearly as important as people can be lead to believe, and contribute a lesser importance, compared to the toothbrush or other mechanical device. A good toothpaste must contain Fluoride, which makes the tooth more resistant to acid-attack. Fluoride itself does not inhibit bacteria, but can be supplemented by additives, such as Triclosan or Stannous (ion preparation) that do. Tartar Control toothpastes can contribute just a little to prevent tartar buildup.
Condition |
Toothpaste |
| Normal Needs | Colgate "Total" |
| Cold-Sensitive Teeth | Sensodyne, Gel-Kam |
| Cavities on Roots or Crowns | Gel-Kam |
| Tartar Buildup | Any Tartar Control |
Hygiene Aid |
Manufacturer & Source |
| Interproximal Brush ("Proxy" or "Christmas Tree" Brush) | Butler, Oral-B (Longs, Rite-Aid) |
| Floss or Super-Floss | Johnson & Johnson (Longs, Rite-Aid) |
| Perio-Aids (Toothpick Holder) | Young Dental Manufacturing (Office) |
Rinses can be considered most useful only if the teeth are throughly brushed beforehand or to substitite for brushing just following surgery. Many rinses, such as Scope or Plax really don't provide much benefit to people, so their use is limited to breath-freshening.
Rinse |
Indication |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Mild antiseptic, cleans mouth prior to use of below rinses |
| Listerine | Over the counter rinse, kills bacteria for up to 1-2 hours after use |
| PerioGard or Peridex | Prescription only rinse, stronger than Listerine, but causes stain to build up on surface of teeth. |
The best way to use rinses is to combine their use with one of the above electric toothbrushes.