When we interviewed a Trusted Hygienist, this is what she had to say….

1.)  What can I do to improve my brushing skills?

For manual brushing: tilt the toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle toward gum line; create small circular motions with light pressure.

For electronic brushing: Brush will spin or vibrate up and down; use same method of 45 degree angle toward gum line though instead of making small circles; just guide or glide along gum line with light pressure.

2.) What toothpaste do you recommend?

We recommend a paste that will cover or provide scope of benefits. Next time you’re choosing/purchasing TP, look for brand that allows total care benefits. Key words to look for: anti-cavity, fluoride, anti-gingivitis, whitening. Just about all brands offer at least 1 type of paste with many or all these benefits. If you’re experiencing sensitivity try a paste like Sensodyne. There are pastes in office that can be offered for sensitivity.

3.) My Gums bleed when I brush or floss is this normal?

This could be normal in certain circumstances. If floss accidently “snaps” down onto gum tissue, one may experience localized bleeding. During time of pregnancy, puberty, or other like situations when hormones fluctuate can lead to gingivitis=bleeding, inflammation, discomfort of gum tissue. If you practice daily oral homecare like brushing, flossing, etc, this will allow for optional gum health and little to no bleeding.

4.) What kind of tooth brush should I be using?

If selecting from manual brushes, we always encourage choosing a brush with extra soft bristles. This is helpful for those patients that brush too hard.

In office, we recommend the Rotadent toothbrush and the Oral B toothbrush. We think the motions of these toothbrushes provide for the best clean and provide best gingival health.

5.) Should I be using fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse?

YES! Topical fluoride can be acquired in different ways. Various methods are offered in office as well. By getting daily exposure to fluoride will help to remineralize enamel and help protect against cavities (break down of enamel.) There are no adverse effects to having topical fluoride.

What is a Dental Sealant?

A sealant is a protective coating that is designed to protect bicuspids and molars from cavities on the chewing surface.

When should my child get a sealant?

Sealants act as a preventative measure against tooth decay. As soon as your child’s permanent molars erupt we can place a sealant, this is as long as there is no evidence of decay.

Save money, are you in?

Filling cavities can cost almost 4 rimes as much as purchasing sealants. Most of the time dental insurances will cover sealants to a certain age.

*Sealants reduce cavities, the process is quick and pain-free, and sealants can last a long time.

Like Alrez Family Dentistry on Facebook for Dental Tips, Pictures, and Activities!

Follow us on Instagram to see lots of Pictures!

Check out YELP for our AWESOME Reviews!

        A Whiter Smile is a Bite Away…

                       Did you know some foods can naturally whiten teeth?  Here are a few……………..

       Yogurt and Milk- Diary products contain Lactic acid and enamel-fortifying mineral calcium, this helps whiten and strengthen teeth.

Water- Swishing water between wine or dark colored foods will help pigmented foods not stain your teeth.

               Apples- Crunch, crunch- the crunch you hear when you bite into an apple actually helps make your gums stronger & the high water content in an apple will boost saliva flow. The extra saliva washes away bacteria that can cause discoloration.

Vegetables that give a CRUNCH when eating, can act as a natural stain remover. Veggies such as carrots, broccoli, and celery contain calcium & fiber!

                                        Eat up!

Scaling and root planning is often referred as a ‘Deep Cleaning’.  Scaling and root planning is treatment of choice in patients with an infectious disease of the gum tissue and underlying bone termed periodontal disease.  This process is also standard treatment for a patient who has healthy bone level, though has not had a regular dental cleaning over a period of time and simply has presence of moderate amounts of calculus (tartar) present below the gum line.

            Periodontal disease typically starts with plaque left on the teeth and around gum line.  When plaque mixes with saliva is creates calculus over time. Eventually, calculus containing bacteria will irritate gum tissues by attaching to teeth and root surfaces and releasing toxins resulting in inflammation and infection of gums.  If untreated, this can ultimately lead to distraction of the bone (bone loss) that surrounds teeth further possible mobility or loss of teeth.

            Scaling and root planning is the only non surgical treatment to help treat periodontal disease by mechanically removing all calculus and paired bacteria from teeth and root surfaces.  To properly diagnose the presence of periodontal disease in a patient, it is important to get necessary radiographs (X-rays) and detailed measurements of all gum tissues that surround teeth.  When bacteria resides in the mouth, it compromises the ligaments that attach gum tissue to root surfaces, therefore creating deeper pockets. Areas that measure greater than 3mm in depth are indicative of periodontal disease.  Overall these measurement are imperative to understand severity of this bacterial infection throughout mouth.

            In office treatment for deep cleaning can be done in one or two visits.  These cleanings are completed by the dentist or dental hygienist by mode of ultra sonic scaler and/or hand instruments.  In addition to the deep cleaning, antibacterial agents such as Arestin placement under gum tissue to help further reduce pocketing or Chlorhexidine rinse to reduce bacteria can be used.  It is common to administer local anesthetic or other anesthetics for optimal patient comfort during and following procedures.

            Maintenance program.  It is standard protocol to keep periodontally involved patients on 3 or 4 month recall intervals.  This means more frequent cleanings in a year’s time to properly combat periodontal disease and ensure stability of gum tissues and underlying bone. Every case varies, though periodic scaling and root planning may be needed after initial deep cleaning due to more compromised bone level.  It is essential that all patients practice proper daily dental hygiene at home for best overall outcome and health of teeth and surrounding structures.

Gum Disease

My Dentist told me I have Gum Disease!
Gum disease is more common than you think. Gum disease, also known as (gingivitis) periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums. Inflammation can vary from moderate to severe. Severe inflammation can lead to the loss of the tissues holding your teeth in place. Making sure you brush your teeth everyday will help prevent plaque to stick on your teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed it can cause your gums to retract (recede) from your teeth and form a pocket. Pockets then collect bacteria.

What do I do now??
(Gingivitis) Periodontal disease can often be treated in early stages with scaling & root planning. Scaling & root planning removes the plaque & tartar beneath the gumline. Usually local anesthetic is given.

What should I do at home?
Make sure you brush your teeth in the morning & at night. Floss, there are many different kinds out there, the best one is the one you will use! Ask your dental professional to show you how to brush and floss PROPERLY, many people do it wrong! Keep up on your cleaning appointments.

Future dental appointments, will they change?
As a “Perio Patient” you will stick to a 3 month check up. This will help you maintain your oral health.

*Reference: ADA & Colgate website