Dental Health

Brushing and Flossing

How to Brush

Dr. Finney recommends using a soft tor extra soft tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a soft, circular motion brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth.
 
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same
If you have any pain while brushing or have questions about brushing be sure to call the office at 651.631.3100.
directions to clean the inside surfaces of your teeth. To help you clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Be sure to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue. Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.

If you have a dry mouth, we suggest using Biotene products..  Saliva is needed to cleanse your teeth, so this product is very beneficial for those who suffer from dry mouth.
 



How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
 
Lightly wrap an 18” long strand of floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
 
To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently seesaw the floss between the teeth. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against the side of one tooth and move the floss up and down on the side of the tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space, so be sure to curve the floss into a C-shape and do the other tooth surface. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.
 
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget to floss the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
When you are done, rinse vigorously 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 continue to hurt while flossing you could be too vigorous or not wrapping the floss in the C-shape correctly. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

Oral Hygiene Products

There are so many products on the market it can become confusing to choose between all the products. Here are some suggestions for dental care products that work for most patients.

Toothbrushes: Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator.
Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. Be sure not to force these between your teeth, as that can cause damage. Discuss their proper use with Dr. Finney or a staff member.
 
Toothpastes and Rinses:Use toothpastes and rinses with flouride. Fluoride toothpastes and rinses used in conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age.
 
Floss: Thin, unwaxed floss is best unless there are tight contacts (teeth are very close together and floss will not be able to get between teeth). If you have teeth with tight contacts, we suggest using waxed floss or Glide.
 
For Sensitive Teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, please discuss with Dr. Finney. He may apply a solution which lessens discomfort or he may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse to use at home.
 
If you have questions on the use of effectiveness of a dental product, please ask at your visit or call us at 651.631.3100.
 

Professional Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental plaque and risk of periodontal disease to a minimum. A professional cleaning will remove plaque or tartar in places your toothbrush and floss often miss.

Your regular visits to our office are important in maintaining the best dental health possible and keeping your teeth for a lifetime.